Connect the Future Texas Presents Broadband Champion Awards to Key State Leaders

Aug 16, 2025

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Connect the Future (CTF) Texas, a coalition committed to ensuring every Texan has access to reliable, high-speed internet, proudly presented its 2025 Broadband Champion Awards to a distinguished group of Texas elected officials and legislative staff at a ceremony held at the Texas State Capitol.

The Broadband Champion Award is given to Texas leaders who have demonstrated exemplary efforts and public service in expanding broadband access across the state. This year’s honorees were instrumental in securing the passage of SB 1646—important legislation that will protect the state’s critical communications infrastructure and combat the theft, damage, or destruction of copper wires that carry essential services such as phone, internet and emergency services – an issue that has affected more than 522,000 Texans since January 2024.

CTF Texas recognized the following recipients for their work to protect and promote connectivity for all Texans:

  • Governor Greg Abbott, Broadband Champion
  • Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Broadband Champion
  • Speaker Dustin Burrows, Broadband Champion, Texas House of Representatives
  • Senator Phil King, Legislator of the Year, Texas Senate
  • Representative Cole Hefner, Legislator of the Year, Texas House of Representatives
  • Ashley Westenhover, Legislative Staffer of the Year, Texas Senate
  • Madison Huerta, Legislative Staffer of the Year, Texas Senate
  • David Nicholson, Legislative Staffer of the Year, Texas House of Representatives
  • Harrison Salter, Legislative Staffer of the Year, Texas House of Representatives

“Reliable broadband isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said CTF Executive Director Zachary Cikanek. “From classrooms to clinics to rural communities, these leaders have championed smart, lasting policies that bring Texas closer to closing the digital divide. We’re proud to recognize their commitment and work to protect and deploy broadband for all Texans.”

The ceremony, hosted in partnership with CTF Texas’ coalition of industry and public safety supporters, highlighted the critical role broadband plays in advancing education, healthcare, job opportunities and economic development across the Lone Star State.

Among those on hand to present the award were representatives of Charter Communications, the Texas Cable Association, the Texas Municipal Police Association, and the Texas Rural Broadband Coalition.

CTF Texas is committed to working with policymakers to ensure every Texan has access to reliable broadband connectivity in an increasingly digital age. Read more on CTF Texas and its mission HERE.