Occupation: Businessman
Education: Oral Roberts University, B.S., business administration, 1977; Graduate, Harvard Business School Owner President Manager Program, 1993
Hometown: Wichita Falls
Party: Republican
Senator Estes was first elected to the State Senate in a 2001 Special Election, and then re-elected in 2002, 2004 and 2008. Senator Estes is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs as well as Vice Chairman for the Senate Natural Resources Committee. He also serves as a member of the Senate Finance, Business and Commerce and Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committees. Additionally, Senator Estes was recently appointed by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst to serve as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, which will take the 2010 census data and use the information to reapportion congressional districts as well as districts for the state legislature.
Senator Estes has also been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve on the Southern States Biobased Alliance, and more recently to the Western States Water Council, and by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst to serve on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference of the Council for State Governments, and Agriculture and Energy Committee for the National Conference for State Legislators.
Senator Estes serves on the Bioenergy Policy Council, which was created through his legislative efforts to expand research and development of domestically produced alternative fuels to promote economic growth, and reduce our dependence on foreign energy.
Senator Estes’ personal and political viewpoints are conservative and he is committed to promoting conservative principles and serves on the Board of Directors of Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute.
Senator Estes represents the fifth generation from the North Texas area. Senator Estes was born and raised in Wichita Falls, and is retired Chairman of the Board of Estes, Inc., a wholesale distributor of agricultural related chemicals and fertilizers.
Senator Estes and his wife Jennifer have three adult children, Abby, Andrew, Mark, and grandsons, John Holt Cunningham and Charles Estes Cunningham.
Senator Estes serves his community, having served on the Young Life Committee of Wichita Falls, the boards of directors of the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls, the Wichita Falls Boys & Girls Club, and the Wichita Falls Faith Mission. Senator Estes is an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
Congratulations to Senator Craig Estes and Family!!
Caroline Noel Estes arrived December 6, at 2:00 a.m. weighing in at 7 pounds and 6 ounces. Proud parents are Andrew and Summer Estes and even prouder are grandparents Craig and Jennifer Estes.
Congratulations Senator!