Representative Donna Howard has been a dedicated member of the Texas House of Representatives since 2006, where she represents District 48, encompassing parts of Austin. A native of Austin, she brings a strong background in nursing and health education, holding both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas. Her professional experience includes working as a critical care nurse and being the first hospital-based Patient Education Coordinator in Austin. In addition, she has served as president of the Texas Nurses Association (District 5) and has taught health education at the University of Texas.

Representative Howard is also actively involved in local community initiatives. She served on the board for various organizations focused on issues such as interfaith dialogue, education, and teen pregnancy prevention. Currently, she is a board member of the Expanding Horizons Foundation, which supports affordable housing and education.

In her role in the Texas Legislature, Howard holds several important positions, including Vice-Chair of the Select Committee on Health Care Reform, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and Chairwoman of the Texas Women’s Health Caucus—the largest caucus nationally dedicated to advancing women’s health policy. She has been vocal in her advocacy to improve access to healthcare and to combat misinformation regarding women's health services, particularly regarding reproductive rights.

Throughout her legislative career, Representative Howard has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills that reflect her commitment to education, healthcare, and women’s rights. One notable piece of legislation is House Bill 3780, which focuses on public school system accountability by enhancing oversight for underperforming schools. This bill aims to implement strict accountability measures to improve educational outcomes, showcasing Howard's interest in educational reform.

Additionally, she has co-authored bills related to healthcare, including those targeting improvements in HIV testing, such as House Bill 2235, which proposes opt-out testing during routine medical visits—a significant measure to increase early detection and treatment of HIV. Furthermore, she has supported resolutions to recognize significant contributions to the community, demonstrating her commitment to honoring public service and fostering a culture of appreciation within the legislature.

Representative Howard's political leanings can be characterized as progressive, particularly evident in her focus on health care reform, women's health issues, and educational initiatives. Her active participation in bipartisan committees, including the Health Care Education and Training, and the Appropriations Committees, reflects a commitment to working collaboratively across party lines to tackle issues affecting Texans. Her leadership roles within committees, such as the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Budget Transparency and Reform, further highlight her influence on the financial policies shaping Texas's health and education sectors.

In her personal life, Donna Howard was married to attorney Derek Howard for 40 years, and together they raised three children. She is also a proud grandmother of seven grandchildren. This familial background enriches her perspective on issues related to healthcare and education, as she acknowledges the evolving needs of families in Texas. Her diverse experiences, both personally and professionally, position her as a compassionate and committed advocate in the Texas Legislature.