Rep. Hayes, Richard

Biography

State Representative Richard Hayes proudly represents Texas House District 57 in the heart of Denton County. Since his election in 2022, he has remained focused on addressing the challenges facing Texans. He has established himself as a conservative leader and strong advocate for issues such as property tax relief, limited government and reducing government bureaucracy, school choice, protecting children, and border security.

During the 89th Legislative Session, Representative Hayes was appointed to serve on the Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee, the Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee, and the newly created House Select Committee on Governmental Oversight. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Family & Fiduciary Relationships. In addition, he is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, the Energy Caucus, Technology Caucus, and the Manufacturing Caucus.

A lifelong Texan and graduate of Denton High School, Representative Hayes has a distinguished record of civic and charitable service that began long before his election to the Texas House. His decades of community involvement have included mentoring youth, supporting education, serving on nonprofit and public boards, advancing the legal profession, and strengthening civic organizations. Throughout his career, he has been guided by the belief that strong communities and a strong Texas are built when people work together in service to others.

Representative Hayes is a founding partner of Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, L.L.P., a respected North Texas law firm established in 1985. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Christian University, a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University, and a Juris Doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law. Early in his legal career, he served as a briefing attorney to Chief Judge Adrian Spears of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas and as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Bexar County. His extensive experience as a real estate and business attorney provides a practical legal perspective in the Texas Legislature.

Beyond his legislative service, Representative Hayes continues to serve his community through numerous civic and professional organizations. In addition to being elected to the Board of Directors of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, he also serves on the North Texas State Fair & Rodeo Association Board of Directors, and the Dean’s Advisory Council for St. Mary's University School of Law. He previously served on the Texas Woman's University Board of Regents and has held leadership positions with numerous civic, legal, and community organizations throughout North Texas and the State of Texas.

Representative Hayes and his wife, a retired public-school teacher and nurse, have been married for more than 51 years. They are the proud parents of five children, including one who serves on the Houston City Council, and grandparents to eight grandchildren. The Hayes family are members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton.