Royce West
Royce Barry West
is an American politician who serves as a member of the Texas Senate, representing the Dallas-based 23rd District.
Early life and education
West was born in Annapolis, Maryland. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington. As an undergraduate, he was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. West then earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center.Career
Politics
In 1986, West ran his first campaign for public office, losing his bid for Dallas County district attorney. His first successful political campaign was in 1992, when he ran for the Texas Senate, District 23 seat after the incumbent, Eddie Bernice Johnson, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. From April 2006 to January 2007, West served as president pro tempore of the Texas Senate.On November 18, 2006, West was Governor for a Day, a ceremonial title that honors the service of the president pro tempore.
On July 22, 2019, West announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in the 2020 election for the seat held by John Cornyn. He finished second in the March 3 primary, but lost the July 14 runoff to M. J. Hegar.
File:Mass. Gov. Maura Healey meets with Texas Democratic legislators at Massachusetts State House on Aug. 5, 2025 amid Texas walkout over redistricting.jpg|thumb|West speaks with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey at the Massachusetts State House during the 2025 Texas walkout