John Cornyn, of San Antonio, is a voice for Texas values in Washington. He was sworn in to the U.S. Senate on December 2, 2002, succeeding Phil Gramm.

Sen. Cornyn continues to take a leading role on many issues in the Senate. He is committed to bolstering America’s national defense and homeland security, working to strengthen the economy and grow jobs, making health care more accessible, and improving educational opportunity for all Texans.

After just one year in the Senate, John Cornyn was chosen by leadership to serve as a Deputy Whip. As a member of the Whip team, he helps mobilize votes and support on major issues. Sen. Cornyn serves on five key Senate committees: Armed Services; Judiciary; Budget; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and the Joint Economic Committee. He chairs the Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship and the Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

Sen. Cornyn is a prominent supporter of President Bush’s judicial nominees, he continues to work for Texas military personnel and veterans, and has been a leader on working to bring about common sense, balanced immigration reform. He stands as a dedicated defender of free markets, traditional values, and individual liberty.

In addition to his legislative committees, Sen. Cornyn is the chairman of the Senate India Caucus, vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference Task Force on Hispanic Affairs, vice chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and a member of the Senate Republican Task Force on Health Care Costs and the Uninsured, the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force, Congressional Oversight Group on Trade, and the President’s Export Council.While in the Senate, John Cornyn has received various awards and recognitions, including the 2005 Border Texan of the Year Award; the National Child Support Enforcement Association's Children's Champion Award; the American Farm Bureau Federation's Friend of Farm Bureau Award; the Texas Association of Business's Fighter for Free Enterprise Award; and the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce's (TAMACC) International Leadership Legislative Award; among others.

As Texas Attorney General from 1999-2002, John Cornyn directed many initiatives vital to the interests of Texas families. Cornyn served for six years as a District Court Judge in San Antonio before being elected to the Texas Supreme Court in 1990, where he served for seven years.

John Cornyn was born in Houston on February 2, 1952, the son of John and Gale Cornyn, both native Texans. His father, a B-17 pilot in World War II, served for thirty-one years in the U.S. Air Force and, later, taught at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. A graduate of Trinity University and St. Mary's School of Law, both in San Antonio, John Cornyn also earned a Masters of Law from the University of Virginia Law School in 1995. He was named the St. Mary's Distinguished Law School Graduate in 1994 and a Trinity University Distinguished Alumnus in 2001.

Sen. Cornyn is married to Sandy, his wife of 26 years. They have two daughters.