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Rep. Darby, Drew

Representative Darby, Drew

Biography

State Representative Drew Darby represents ten counties in West Texas, encompassing the Big Country, Concho Valley, and Permian Basin.

 A lifelong West Texan and native of San Angelo, Chairman Darby attended San Angelo public schools before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin.

 He currently serves as chairman of the House Committee on Energy Resources and is a member of the Administration and State Affairs Committees. In addition, he chairs The Energy Council, a nonpartisan organization spanning over 12 states and provinces that facilitates dialogue among legislative policymakers on critical energy issues affecting their states, citizens, and the environment.

 In previous legislative sessions, Drew has served as a member of the Legislative Budget Board, the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee, as a subcommittee chairman for the House Committee on Appropriations, and as a member of the Royalty Policy Committee of the United States Department of the Interior.

 Beyond his legislative work, Chairman Darby is a successful businessman and owns Surety Title, which operates offices throughout West Texas. He also serves as Counsel to the Energy and Real Estate practice group at Jackson Walker, LLP.

 Drew and his wife, Clarisa, have five children and twelve grandchildren. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church of San Angelo.

  During Representative Darby's tenure, he has served on significant committees, which include:

 

89th Session (2025):

  •  Energy Resources (Chairman)
  • House Administration
  • State Affairs

 

88th Session (2023):

  • Criminal Jurisprudence 
  • Energy Resources 
  • Redistricting (Chairman) 

 

87th Session (2021):

  • Energy Resources
  • Licensing & Administrative Procedures
  • Youth Health & Safety, Select 

 

86th Session (2019):

  • Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety, Select (Chairman) 
  • Business & Industry (Vice-Chair)
  • Energy Resources

 

85th Session (2017):

  • Energy Resources (Chairman) 
  • State & Federal Power & Responsibility, Select (Chairman)
  • Redistricting
  • Ways & Means

 

84th Session (2015):

  • Energy Resources (Chairman) 
  • Federal Environmental Regulation, Select
  • Ways & Means

 

83rd Session (2013):

  • Appropriations:   
  •  Subcommittee on Budget Transparency and Reform
  •  Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Business & Economic Development, and Regulatory (Chairman)
  • Fiscal Impact of Texas Border Support Operations, Select
  • Higher Education
  • Redistricting (Chairman)
  • Redistricting, Select (Chairman)
  • State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, Advisory

 

82nd Session (2011):

  •         Appropriations:   
  •            Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Business & Economic Development, and Regulatory (Chairman)   
  •         Local and Consent Calendars
  •         State Sovereignty
  •         Transportation (Vice-Chair)

 

81st Session (2009):

  •  Appropriations:   
  •   Subcommittee on Business and Economic Development (Vice-Chair)  
  •   Subcommittee on Stimulus   
  • Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, Select   
  • Human Services   
  • Transportation Funding, Select
  •   Subcommittee on Funding (Chairman)  

 

80th Session (2007):

  • Appropriations:   
  •   Subcommittee on Regulatory and Business & Industry (Chairman - Budget & Oversight)  
  • House Administration   
  • Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform, Select   
  • Use of Sales Tax on Sporting Goods, Joint Legislative Task Force   


In 2008, Drew was bestowed the title of Honorary Alumnus from Angelo State University (ASU) for authoring and passing House Bill 3564 (80R), which allowed the realignment of ASU with the Texas Tech University System, a first in the history of Texas Higher Education. 

Representative Darby's other notable accomplishments include:

·         Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Service, 2022 

·         Outstanding Government Official, Texas Energy Summit, 2021

·         Civil Justice Leadership Award, Texans for Lawsuit Reform, 2020

·         Champion of Infrastructure Award, American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas, 2019

·         Pillar of San Angelo, Boys and Girls Club of San Angelo, 2017

·         Champion for Children, Equity Center, 2017

·         Hearst Energy Award for Industry Advocacy, Midland Reporter-Telegram, 2017

·         Lone Star Award for Leadership, Texas Oil & Gas Association, 2016

·         Border Champion, Border Prosecution Unit, 2015

·         Citizen of the Year, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, 2012

·         Friends of County Government by the Texas Association of Counties

·         Champion for Free Enterprise Award by the Texas Association of Business

·         Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business of Texas

·         Outstanding Contribution to Law Enforcement by the Texas Police Chiefs Association

·        Outstanding Rural Advocate by the Texas Midwest Community Network