Births on February 2

John Cornyn, American lawyer and politician, 49th Attorney General of Texas

John Cornyn III (pronounced CORN-in; born February 2, 1952) is a highly influential American politician and seasoned attorney who has dedicated decades to public service. He currently serves as the senior United States Senator for Texas, a prominent position he has held since his initial election in 2002. As the "senior" senator, he is the longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate delegation from Texas, wielding significant influence and seniority within legislative processes and committee assignments.

Throughout his distinguished career in the Senate, Cornyn has held key leadership roles within the Republican Party. He notably served as the Republican Senate Majority Whip for both the 114th and 115th Congresses, covering the years 2015 to 2019. In this critical role, Senator Cornyn was responsible for party discipline, counting votes, and ensuring legislative strategy alignment, making him a central figure in the Republican leadership. Prior to his tenure as Whip, he led the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) as its chair from 2009 to 2013. During this period, he played a crucial role in fundraising, candidate recruitment, and developing campaign strategies aimed at electing Republicans to the U.S. Senate, significantly impacting the party's strength in the chamber.

Born in Houston, Texas, Senator Cornyn's professional journey is rooted in a strong legal and academic foundation. He is an alumnus of Trinity University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He then pursued his legal education at St. Mary's University School of Law, from which he obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Demonstrating a commitment to advanced legal scholarship, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the highly regarded University of Virginia School of Law, a post-graduate legal qualification that often signifies specialized expertise or academic pursuit in law.

Before his entry into national politics, Cornyn built an extensive career in the Texas judiciary and as the state's chief legal officer. His public service began on the bench, serving as a judge on Texas's 37th District Court from 1985 to 1991, where he presided over a wide array of legal cases. His judicial expertise was recognized when he was elected as an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court, the state's highest court for civil matters, where he served from 1991 to 1997. This experience provided him with a profound understanding of Texas law and its constitutional framework. In 1998, Cornyn transitioned to an executive legal role, successfully running for Attorney General of Texas. As the state's chief legal officer, he served one term, responsible for defending state laws, advising state agencies, and upholding public interest through various legal actions, including consumer protection.

His diverse experience across the judicial and executive branches of Texas state government paved the way for his successful bid for a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2002. Texans have consistently reaffirmed their support for Senator Cornyn, re-electing him in 2008, 2014, and most recently in 2020, solidifying his long-standing presence and influence in the United States Congress as a key representative for one of the nation's largest and most populous states.

Frequently Asked Questions about Senator John Cornyn III

Who is John Cornyn III?

John Cornyn III is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the senior United States Senator for Texas. He is a prominent Republican who has held his Senate seat since 2002 and previously served in key leadership roles within the Senate and in the Texas judiciary and as Attorney General.

What significant leadership roles has John Cornyn held in the Senate?

Senator Cornyn served as the Republican Senate Majority Whip for the 114th and 115th Congresses (2015-2019), playing a vital role in legislative strategy and party discipline. Prior to that, he chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) from 2009 to 2013, focusing on fundraising and supporting Republican Senate candidates.

What was John Cornyn's legal background before becoming a Senator?

Before his election to the U.S. Senate, John Cornyn had an extensive legal career in Texas. He served as a judge on Texas's 37th District Court (1985-1991), then as an associate justice on the Texas Supreme Court (1991-1997). He was subsequently elected and served one term as the Attorney General of Texas (1998-2002), the state's chief legal officer.

When was John Cornyn first elected to the U.S. Senate?

John Cornyn was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002. He has since been re-elected three times, in 2008, 2014, and 2020, cementing his long tenure as a representative for Texas in the U.S. Congress.