Terri Leo Wilson began her public service career after a distinguished 38-year career in education. A Summa Cum Laude graduate, she holds undergraduate degrees in Elementary and Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University–Commerce.
Terri served Texas public schools as a teacher, case manager, and department administrator, primarily working with middle school students with special needs, bringing hands-on classroom experience to every policy decision she makes.
For over four decades, Terri has been a stalwart grassroots activist, tirelessly promoting the Republican Party of Texas Platform and Legislative Priorities. From her involvement in various party positions to her active participation in conventions since 1984, Terri is a steadfast advocate for conservative principles which earned her the Faithful Servant Award from the US Pastor’s Counsel, Protector of the Family Award from the Foundation for Life, and the Texas Family Advocate of the Year Award from Concerned Women For America. Recognized as a TFRW Tribute to Women Honoree and a recipient of the Texas Star Award from the Texas Women’s Alliance, Terri left a permanent mark on Texas politics and education before even becoming a member of the Texas House.
Elected to represent Texas House District 23, Terri’s first term in the Legislature quickly established her as a conservative leader. During the 88th Legislative Session, she ranked as the most conservative freshman legislator.
According to the Mark P. Jones Rice University poll, Terri ranked as the 9th most conservative legislator overall, reflecting her unwavering commitment to conservative principles.
Before serving in the Legislature, Terri was elected to three terms on the State Board of Education, representing nearly 2 million Texans — without pay or staff.
She served as Vice Chairman and chaired multiple committees. For her work promoting free-enterprise education, she received the American Exceptionalism Award from Americans for Prosperity.
Terri is a TFRW Tribute to Women Honoree and recipient of the Texas Star Award from the Texas Women’s Alliance.
She currently serves on the Public Education Committee, Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, and the State-Federal Relations Subcommittee.
Learn More about Terri's RecordTerri and her husband Dave live on Galveston Island. They have five children, five grandchildren, and are expecting their sixth grandchild in January 2026.
Terri served with distinction on the State Board of Education (SBOE), elected to three terms. In this capacity, she volunteered her time and expertise, representing approximately 2 million constituents without compensation or staff support. Terri's leadership on the SBOE, including roles as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of key committees, earned her recognition for her contributions to education and conservative advocacy. For Terri's work on writing curriculum ensuring that students understood the benefits of the free-enterprise system she received The American Exceptionalism Award from Americans for Prosperity.
Elected to represent House District 23, she quickly emerged as a formidable force, ranking as the most conservative freshman member of the 88th Legislative Session. Notably, in the Mark P. Jones’ Rice University poll, Terri secured the 9th most conservative position among all legislators, a testament to her unwavering commitment to conservative principles.
During the 89th Session, Terri successfully passed 15 bills, including 12 House Bills and 3 House Concurrent Resolutions. These legislative measures reflect her commitment to education reform, local governance, public safety, and conservative values. Among the bills she successfully passed is HB 100, a Republican Party Legislative Priority, on high quality instructional materials in public schools. She also passed legislation on illegal hunting charges, dual credit course funding for colleges, accurate labeling of Gulf Coast Shrimp,funding the Texas A&M Lonestar Training Ship, the preservation of the UTMB Multi-Share Plan, designating Galveston as the official Juneteenth Capital of Texas and other HD 23 local district priorities.
Terri supported the Republican Party of Texas Platform by advancing 36 platform bills through joint authorship and co-authorship. These bills included removing the affirmative defense for children exposed to harmful content, stopping the sexualizing of Texas Kids, ensuring that no men are in women's private spaces, parental choice and rights in education, no hostile foreign takeover of Texas land, securing the grid, the anti-squatter's bill, pro-life legislation, border security and enforcement and bail reform. In addition, she helped pass legislation to secure our elections, require proof of citizenship to vote, and give the attorney general the ability to prosecute election fraud.
Terri voted for the most state funding for public education in Texas history, to include $8.5 Billion in new spending with 4 billion going to teachers for pay raises. This funding included a TWIA allotment for coastal schools disaster funding, Special Education and CTE funding. Other key education legislation included is allowing the posting of the 10 commandments in public schools, chaplains in schools, and stopping DEI in instructional materials and in DEI in higher ed.
Additionally, Rep. Wilson highlighted the budgetary achievements with the passage of Senate Bill 1. The bill dedicates $51 billion to property tax relief, buying down the M&O portion of property taxes which is an important step toward property tax elimination. Rep. Wilson advocated for reducing reliance on property taxes while ensuring funding for cities, counties, and school districts. Rep. Leo Wilson said her commitment to finding long-term solutions for taxpayer protection: "I intend to spend the interim studying this issue and working with colleagues to find responsible, long-term answers, including capping appraisals and putting spending limits on local governments. Texas has budget spending limits, including constitutional constraints like the pay as you go, spending limits and a statutory limit on debt service, why should local government entities also not have to spend within their means."
Terri's effectiveness as a legislator was evident in her prolific output, surpassing the average House member in terms of legislation passed during their first and second sessions. Her dedication to advancing conservative values resonated with her constituents and colleagues alike, establishing her as an effective legislator.