About Valinda Bolton

Valinda Bolton is a 4th generation Texan, born and raised in Houston. She received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University and her Master’s from Texas Tech. She currently shares her life in Southwest Austin with her husband, Judge Andy Hathcock, and son, Marshall.

Her career has been a continuous fight to make Texas communities safer and stronger. She is a storied child abuse prevention advocate and affordable housing advocate and  is a nationally recognized leader on domestic violence and sexual assault issues. With Donald Trump in the White House her history of fighting against abuse and sexual violence targeting women is needed now more than ever. Her experience in governance makes her a powerful ally for justice advocates.

She was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2006 and served two terms in office.  A passionate and hard-working legislator, Valinda was on the forefront of major issues affecting her district. Serving with distinction in the 80th Legislative Session in 2007, Representative Bolton was awarded the 2007 Freshman of the Year Award by the Legislative Study Group.  For her outstanding work in the 81st session, she received “Legislator of the Year” awards from the Justice of the Peace & Constables Association and the Capital Area Asian American Democrats.

With her background in front line community service, Valinda places as high a priority on constituent services as legislative accomplishments, including forming coalitions to save the drinking water of over one million Central Texans, securing funding for safety improvements to Hwy 71, or finding safe solutions for students to cross busy highways.

After leaving the Legislature, Valinda returned to her professional roots working to make Texas families and communities safer and stronger through her role as community affairs liaison at Child Protective Services. Valinda continues to be a major supporter and enthusiastic member of the Travis County Democratic Party and has worked throughout each election to make sure Travis County elects Democrats to office and contributes more than its share of votes to statewide and regional races.