Texas Advocacy Masterclass: Win Legislative Victories with Texas Values' Jonathan Saenz

Episode Description

Jonathan Saenz, President of Texas Values, shares hard-won lessons from passing some of Texas's most significant legislation on religious liberty, pro-life protections, and family policy. This episode delivers actionable tactics on managing legislative relationships, timing your interventions, and building an advocacy organization from the ground up.

Essential listening for organizations and leaders seeking to move mission-critical legislation through the Texas Capitol. Understand the deep-level strategy required to turn policy goals into signed law.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Protect Relationships with Direct Communication: Always deliver concerns directly to the bill sponsor first—never let them hear about problems with their legislation secondhand. This preserves relationships and maintains your credibility at the Capitol.

The Humility Advantage: When you make a mistake in legislative advocacy, apologize immediately and redirect to the policy issue—legislators respect humility and the ability to refocus on substance over personality conflicts.

Legislative Success is Incremental: Don't burn bridges if your bill doesn't pass the first session. Major advancements, like pro-life and Second Amendment improvements, are often achieved one step at a time across multiple sessions.

Show Up Everywhere: Advocacy must span the courts, the legislature, the media, and politics. Government belongs to those who show up and are visible in all spheres where their values are challenged.

The Law is a Teacher: Legislative victories set consistent, statewide rules, particularly in areas like school districts, and establish precedents that reflect and influence the broader culture.

👤 Featured Guest

Jonathan Saenz - President, Texas Values & Texas Values Action. An attorney with over two decades of experience, leading legislative victories on religious liberty, pro-life protections, and family values.