Sen. Steve Odgen, R-Bryan (Texas Senate)

Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, who chaired the Texas Senate Finance Committee in the midst of a historic budget shortfall announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election. This revelation follows Monday’s news that Senate Education Chairwoman Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, does not plan to run again either.

“After much thought and with great appreciation for the opportunity to have served in the Texas Legislature for the past 20 years, I am not planning to run for re-election as the State Senator from District 5,” Ogden said. “I feel compelled to announce this so that others may consider running for the office and filing for candidacy.”

Ogden, whose district includes parts of Williamson County, said he would serve the remainder of his term to January 2013. He has been a member of the Texas Senate since 1997, serving four terms as Finance Chairman. Prior to his work in the upper chamber, he served three terms in the Texas House.

Predicting a rise in natural gas and oil revenues, Ogden was an early advocate – unlike many GOP members – for using a portion of the Rainy Day Fund in the last legislative session, as that account might have more money than originally expected. He is currently president of Ogden Resources, an independent oil and gas company based in Bryan. He has been in the oil and gas exploration business for more than two decades.

Also on Tuesday, Rep. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, said he would be running for Ogden’s seat.

Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano (Texas Senate)

Just a day before these announcements, word surfaced that of another of the Senate’s most powerful members would not run again. Like Odgen, Shapiro also began her role in the Texas Senate in 1993. She suggested at one time she might run for the U.S. Senate but has since indicated she has no interest in higher office.

Shapiro most recently chaired the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Public Education Funding. During the past session, the legislature decided to cut $4 billion from public schools.

“A true legislative champion for our Texas school children, Sen. Shapiro’s spirit and leadership will be greatly missed,” said Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio. “I value her unparalleled expertise and will greatly miss working with her.”

Shapiro, the former Plano mayor and head of the Texas Municipal League, has said she is not endorsing a candidate for her office at this time. State Rep. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, has been mentioned as a strong possibility.