About Chris

In November 2008, Chris Turner was elected to serve the people of District 96 in the Texas House of Representatives. As a member of the Legislature, Chris is committed to working on a bipartisan basis on the issues important to Texas families. Chris’s priorities include strengthening the Texas economy, improving public education and access to higher education, protecting consumers and upgrading our transportation infrastructure.

During his first legislative session, Chris earned a reputation as a hard worker and as someone who gets things done, authoring and passing several bills.

A member of the Committee on Defense and Veterans Affairs, Chris has worked closely with veterans’ leaders and organizations on policy aimed to aid those who have served our nation in uniform. In his first session, Chris filed six pieces of legislation aiding our nations veterans. He authored and passed the measure that created the Veterans Cash lottery scratch-off ticket which will provide an estimated $9 million per year to pay for much needed benefits for Texas veterans and returning soldiers. His work on veterans’ issues led to Chris being named the bi-partisan Veterans’ Caucus “Freshman of the Year” and being given the Texas Veterans’ Commission “Leadership Award.”

During his first session, Chris also became a leader on consumer protection issues, namely working on ensuring that customers receive a fair shake from utility and insurance companies. His work on consumer issues led to his being named “Freshman of the Year” by Texas Watch, a non-profit consumer protection advocacy organization.

Chris considers it his top priority to work for his district, and he spends most of his time working to advance key transportation and economic development projects in Tarrant County. In his first session, he passed a measure to create the Kennedale TownCenter Development district, which will broaden the tax base in the City  of Kennedale, and relieve pressure on local property taxpayers.

Chris is a member of the Legislative Veterans Caucus, Texas Legislative Tourism Caucus, Texas Women’s Health Caucus, Texas Manufacturing Caucus, Community College Caucus, and the Clean Air Caucus.

Prior to running for office, Chris held the position of District Director in the office of Texas Congressman Chet Edwards. Chris now owns and runs a communications consulting business.

An Eagle Scout and lifelong Texan, Chris is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Lisa have been married for over 10 years. Chris’s two step-children, Melissa Hunsaker and Scott Hunsaker, both graduated from Summit High School in Mansfield ISD. Melissa recently graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.F.A. in dance. Scott is a sophomore at Texas State University. The Turners live in Burleson.