House Majority Whip Tom DeLay

House Majority Whip Tom DeLay represents the 22nd District of Texas.

Elected to the third highest leadership post in the House Republican Conference, DeLay is responsible for making certain that the Republican legislative agenda is completed. His role in the process is to "grow the votes" necessary to insure final passage of legislation.  DeLay joined the House in 1984 and before becoming majority whip, served as Republican Conference secretary, deputy whip, and chairman of the Republican Study Committee.

DeLay also serves on the Appropriations Committee.  By consistently voting to reduce federal spending, he has earned the "Taxpayers' Friend" award from the National Taxpayers Union. For his conservative voting record, he has received 100 percent ratings from The New American and Christian Voice magazines. He has also received the Watchdog of the Treasury's "Golden Bulldog Award" and the coalition of Peace Through Strength's "National Security Leadership" award. He has consistently received high marks for his pro-business stance from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

DeLay started his legislative career in 1978 when he became the first Fort Bend County Republican ever elected to the Texas House of Representatives.  DeLay serves on the advisory board of Child Advocates of Fort Bend County.  A native Texan, DeLay owned and operated a small business in Texas before joining politics, and continues to participate in charity and community groups by contributing his unique auctioneering abilities. 

DeLay was born in Laredo in 1947.  He graduated from the University of Houston in 1970.

He and wife Christine have one daughter.