Kirk Watson
Kirk Preston Watson (born 1958) is an American attorney and politician who has served as the 59th mayor of Austin, Texas since 2023, previously holding the office as the 54th mayor from 1997 to 2001. A member of the Democratic Party, he ran unsuccessfully for Texas Attorney General in the 2002 election, when he was defeated by Republican Greg Abbott, later governor of Texas. In 2006, Watson was elected to the Texas Senate from District 14.
Kirk Watson | |
|---|---|
| 54th and 59th Mayor of Austin | |
| Assumed office January 6, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Steve Adler |
| In office June 15, 1997 – November 9, 2001 | |
| Preceded by | Bruce Todd |
| Succeeded by | Gus Garcia |
| President pro tempore of the Texas Senate | |
| In office January 8, 2019 – May 27, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Nichols |
| Succeeded by | Joan Huffman |
| Member of the Texas Senate from the 14th district | |
| In office January 9, 2007 – April 30, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Gonzalo Barrientos |
| Succeeded by | Sarah Eckhardt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Kirk Preston Watson 1958 (age 65–66) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Liz McDaniel |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Baylor University (BA, JD) |
In 2011, Watson was chosen by his Democratic colleagues to chair the Senate Democratic Caucus and served until 2015. On the first day of the 86th Legislature, he was chosen by his colleagues—Democrats and Republicans—to serve as president pro tempore. The position typically goes to the most senior member, regardless of party, who has not yet served as President Pro Tem, and is second in line of succession to the Governor.
It was announced by the Austin American-Statesman that Watson planned to resign from the Texas State Senate to become the first dean of the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs. His resignation was effective April 30, 2020. With incumbent Mayor Steve Adler not seeking another term, Watson entered the race to become Austin mayor for a second time. He was elected for his second stint as mayor in the 2022 Austin mayoral election runoff with 50.4% of the vote.