El Paso Attorney Appointed to Texas Transportation Commission

Pat Gordon will oversee billions in state transportation funds as part of the powerful five-member commission.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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El Paso corporate law attorney Pat Gordon has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas Transportation Commission, the powerful state commission that oversees billions in transportation funding. Gordon, a shareholder at Gordon Davis Johnson Shane & Snider P.C., will fill an unexpired term on the five-member commission through February 2027.

Why it matters

Gordon's appointment marks only the second time an El Pasoan has served on the Texas Transportation Commission, which is responsible for policymaking and oversight of the state's highway system, public transportation development, and the Texas Department of Transportation's operations. His presence on the commission could help secure more transportation funding and project approvals for the West Texas region.

The details

As a commissioner, Gordon will be tasked with approving over $101 billion in state transportation programs, including nearly $45 billion for development and maintenance over the next 10 years. Gordon said his initial goals are to get familiar with all the current and upcoming projects that will be considered for funding by the commission.

  • On February 12, 2026, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Gordon's appointment to the commission.
  • Gordon's term on the commission will run through February 1, 2027, filling an unexpired seat.

The players

Pat Gordon

A corporate law attorney from El Paso who was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas Transportation Commission.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who appointed Pat Gordon to the Texas Transportation Commission.

Texas Transportation Commission

The powerful five-member state commission that oversees billions of dollars in Texas transportation funding and policies.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

The state agency that the Texas Transportation Commission governs and provides policy oversight for.

Ted Houghton

A former El Paso businessman who served 12 years on the Texas Transportation Commission, including nearly 4 years as chair.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored and excited. Being from West Texas and El Paso, I am hopeful my appointment will have an impact on the West Texas region.”

— Pat Gordon, Newly Appointed Texas Transportation Commissioner (elpasomatters.org)

“He'll serve the state well. He knows what he's doing.”

— Ted Houghton, Former Texas Transportation Commissioner (elpasomatters.org)

What’s next

Gordon said one of his first goals is to get familiar with all the current and upcoming transportation projects and funding decisions that will be considered by the commission. He will also likely be considered for a full six-year term on the commission when his current unexpired term ends in 2027.

The takeaway

Pat Gordon's appointment to the powerful Texas Transportation Commission marks an important milestone for the El Paso region, as he becomes only the second person from the area to serve on the commission that oversees billions in state transportation funding. His presence could help secure more infrastructure investments and project approvals for West Texas.