Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin (Texas Senate)

As Texas Senators called sine die – adjourning their end of the special session – on Tuesday, it was revealed that Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, will become the new chairman of the upper chamber’s Democratic Caucus. He replaces Sen. Leticia Van de Puttee, D-San Antonio, who served in that position for eight years.

“I’m honored that my colleagues have entrusted their chairmanship to me, and I look forward to getting to work,” said Watson, a former Austin mayor, after the unanimous vote of his fellow members.

Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio (Texas Senate)

Van de Putte is set to transition into the role of President Pro Tempore in the next legislative session. She will take over for Sen. Mike Jackson, R-La Porte, saying to remain in the two positions would “present conflicts.” She has been in charge of the caucus since 2003, when she led Democrats during a 46-day break in quorum during mid-decade Congressional redistricting by Republicans.