Most conservative, liberal state senators

EAST TEXAS — Texas senators are ranked from most liberal to most conservative in a new study. The Texas Tribune bases the rankings on the 31 senators’ votes during this year’s regular session and four special sessions. Among the Republicans, Senator Bryan Hughes (pictured), of Mineola, is ranked as the most conservative. Senator Robert Nichols, of Jacksonville, is the most liberal Republican, but he’s still more conservative than the most conservative Democrat, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, of McAllen. Senator Sarah Eckhardt, of Austin, and Senator Roland Gutierrez, of San Antonio, who is running in the primary next year for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Ted Cruz, are the most liberal Democrats.