Gov. Greg Abbott named Steve Cooper of El Campo to the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Board of Directors for a term to expire on Feb. 1, 2017.

Abbott on Monday announced a set of appointments to the OneStar National Service Commission, first naming a chairman — Ronnie Hagerty of Houston — and vice chairwoman — Lisa Lucero of Austin — for the board. For terms expiring March 15, 2018, he appointed Sonal Bhuchar of Sugar Land, Laura Dixon of San Antonio, Roger O’Dell of El Paso, and reappointed Hagerty and Kirk Beckert of Richardson. For terms expiring March 16, 2016, he appointed Annette Juba of Austin and Kate Williamson of Midland. And for a term expiring March 15, 2017, he appointed James Senegal of Conroe.

Abbott named Loretta Bradley of Lubbock, Brenda Compagnone of San Antonio and Christopher Taylor of Dallas to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2021.

Longtime state Rep. Elliott Naishtat announced Thursday that would not seek re-election to the House seat he has held since 1991. The Austin Democrat had said earlier in the week that he would run for another term but he said he changed his mind because of "the caliber, quality and commitment" of potential candidates who would seek the office if he opted not to run.

Former Plainview state Rep. Jim Landtroop ended speculation about his political future on Monday, announcing that he will run for the HD-84 seat, based in Lubbock County. In opting to run in HD-84, he sets up a contested primary race with the incumbent, John Frullo of Lubbock.

Longtime Perry loyalist, Rob Johnson, has signed on with the Carly Fiorina presidential campaign as a senior adviser.

Austin-based Democratic consultant James Aldrete has signed on with Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. Aldrete, a veteran of Barack Obama's presidential bids, will lead Clinton's Spanish-language paid-media efforts. Aldrete will join a group of Latino staffers that includes another Texan: Xochitl Hinojosa, the daughter of Texas Democratic Party chief Gilberto Hinojosa.

Michelle Mitchell, who served as city finance director under past Mayor Bill White, announced support for Bill King ahead of Saturday's Houston mayoral runoff election.

U.S. Rep. Joaquín Castro, D-San Antonio, last week endorsed state Rep. Sylvester Turner ahead of Saturday's mayoral runoff election. On Wednesday, Turner won an endorsement from Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

The Republican field for the SD-1 open seat thinned some on Monday. Carthage optometrist Dennis Golden dropped out of the race and endorsed state Rep. Bryan Hughes for the spot. The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters later in the week endorsed Hughes.

The Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC announced Monday that they are endorsing Justice Paul Green for re-election to the Supreme Court of Texas, Place 5. Said PAC Chairman Richard J. Trabulsi, Jr. on the contest, “His challenger is a person who has never been a judge and whose judicial philosophy and temperament cannot be known.” Former state Rep. Rick Green announced on Thursday that he's filed his paperwork to run for the seat.

Former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey has endorsed Lynn Stucky in the GOP race to succeed HD-64 state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton.

Kevin Roberts’ HD-126 campaign has a new supporter: Alan Robertson, the oldest member of the group who together are the Duck Commanders on the A&E Network reality TV show, Duck Dynasty.

The Houston Police Retired Officer Association last week announced its endorsement of GOP HD-130 candidate Tom Oliverson, praising his commitment to public safety. On Tuesday, Oliverson received an endorsement on Tuesday from Texas Right to Life. He received further help on Thursday when Mike Wolfe announced that he was halting plans to run for the House seat and instead support Oliverson.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has named state Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, "Legislator of the Year," for his work on legislation requiring ignition interlocks in the cars of those who drive after being convicted of drunk driving.

Missouri Republican Congressman Sam Graves endorsed Ted Cruz for president on Monday, praising Cruz’s efforts to “to make this nation secure, while protecting our constitutional rights.” Cruz now has 12 congressional endorsements.

Deaths: Betty Horton, 64, who worked 19 legislative sessions at the Texas House from 1975 through 2013, passed away Nov. 29. She served on the staffs of Garland representatives Kenneth Vaughan (1975-77), Anita Hill (1977-93) and Joe Driver (1993-2009). In 2011 and 2013, she worked in the office of Round Rock state Rep. Larry Gonzales.

Disclosure: The Lower Colorado River Authority is a corporate sponsor of The Texas Tribune. Judy Trabulsi is a major donor to the Tribune. Elliott Naishtat is a donor to the Tribune. A complete list of Texas Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.