Conversation Leaders
Guests are seated with Conversation Leaders - state leaders, elected officials, and civic professionals, who help guide thoughtful discussions on the issues shaping our democracy.
2026 Conversation Leaders
as of February 16, 2026
The Hon. Daniel Alders
Texas Representative, District 6
The Hon. Carol Alvarado
Texas Senator, District 6
The Hon. Rafael Anchía
Texas Representative, District 103
Adam Bennett
Weekend Daybreak Anchor and Senior Reporter, KVUE-TV
The Hon. Rhetta Bowers
Texas Representative, District 113
The Hon. Erin Gamez
Texas Representative, District 38
Chairman Thomas Gleeson
Chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas
The Hon. Mary González
Texas Representative, District 75
The Hon. Donna Howard
Texas Representative, District 48
Gromer Jeffers Jr.
Political Writer, The Dallas Morning News
The Hon. Nathan Johnson
Texas Senator, District 16
The Hon. Jeff Leach
Texas Representative, District 67
Corrie MacLaggan
Executive Editor, KUT News & The Texas Newsroom
The Hon. Vincent Perez
Texas Representative, District 77
The Hon. Richard Raymond
Texas Representative, District 42
The Hon. Jon Rosenthal
Texas Representative, District 135
The Hon. Mike Schofield
Texas Representative, District 132
Avery Travis
Midday Anchor and Investigative Reporter, KXAN
The Hon. Gary VanDeaver
Texas Representative, District 1
Anita Vangelisti
Professor and Interim Dean, Moody College of Communications
Matthew Watkins
Editor-in-chief, The Texas Tribune
The Hon. Gene Wu
Texas Representative, District 137
The Hon. Judith Zaffirini
Texas Senator and Dean of the Texas Senate, District 21
The Hon. Erin Zwiener
Texas Representative, District 45