Legislative staffers must be ambitious, humble, and willing to work across the aisle to create change during contentious times. Hannah Reinhard, Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager for State Representative Philip Cortez of San Antonio, is now on the victorious side of the 2024 election and is more equipped than ever to elevate Texas politics.
Yet, her inspirational seven-year career in politics was anything but easy.
“I worked hard to stay true to my beliefs and find common ground with others.”
Growing up in Helotes, Texas, Reinhard became a blue sheep. Despite a strong conservative base within the town, Reinhard was captivated by President Obama’s accessibility and appeal to a younger generation.
“I wasn’t even 12 and I was arguing with my family about him. I felt a deep sadness that I couldn’t cast a ballot for him,” she explains.
During these experiences, Reinhard developed her own political identity. “Growing up in a heavily conservative area, conversations about issues like a woman’s right to choose were common, which fueled my passion for advocating for vulnerable populations,” she says. She noticed a lack of women in politics and took it upon herself to get involved in her school’s student council.
Like many in the 2000s––especially soon-to-be legislative staffers––Reinhard was enthralled by the TV show The West Wing. From a young age, Reinhard idolized the character Joshua Lyman, whose professional trajectory would soon mirror her own.
“I was drawn to the show not only because it was entertaining, well-written, and superbly acted, but also because I found the subject matter fascinating,” she says. “Working in such a unique environment greatly appealed to me as I imagined my future.”
In the show, Lyman’s father passes away on the night of the Iowa caucus, one of the most important nights of election season. In October 2024––the night before early voting began in Texas––Reinhard’s father passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. Devastated, she felt “completely ill-equipped to handle” both managing a campaign and coping with her father’s death.
Months later, Reinhard now works to honor him and the support he offered her during her best and worst times, and, like Lyman, she aims to carry his love with her always.
“This heartbreaking event coincided with the most stressful phase of a campaign for which we had spent months preparing,” she posted on Linkedin. “Fortunately, I have an incredible team supporting me. They not only prioritized my well-being during this challenging time, but also helped keep us on the path to victory, allowing our office to continue serving the residents of House District 117 for another two years!”
“The biggest mistake a person can make is waiting for someone else to step up.”
At the University of Texas at Austin, Reinhard witnessed political enthusiasm from all sides of the aisle, bolstered by the school’s proximity to the Capitol. This ultimately inspired her to change her career path––she left behind the College of Natural Sciences, where she was studying biology, and forged a new path in government.
Now, at age 27, Reinhard has turned political challenges on their head, transforming them into opportunities.
Like many staffers during COVID-19, Reinhard was laid off. “I thought about giving up on this profession completely,” she explains. However, when given the opportunity, she returned for the 87th legislative session. “If I hadn’t taken the chance to return to Austin, I would always wonder, ‘What if…?’ I decided to give the political arena one more try.”
Her decision to stay proved fruitful. Since beginning in Representative Cortez’s office, Reinhard has blossomed from Legislative Intern to Director to Chief of Staff. During the legislative session, she acts as a bridge between Texas House District 117 and the legislature. Every two years, she coordinates each aspect of the Representative’s campaign.
“I appreciate the trust he places in my abilities to support him and our district,” she says. “As the most senior staff member, I ensure everyone is well-informed about the legislative process and office standards.”
“I encourage all women to never lose sight of what ignited their passion, even when challenges arise.”
Through thick and thin, Reinhard has never forgotten one societal setback: being a woman in politics.
Despite this, she continues to use her platform to advocate for gender parity in Texas. Beyond connecting with other women in politics, Reinhard serves on the Alumni Board for the LBJ Women’s Campaign School. She believes that this position helps younger women find the tools needed to operate in the political sphere. Moreover, she hopes to be a role model for other women with a passion for civic engagement.
“I find it concerning that there are not more women in leadership roles or holding office,” she explains. “Women need to be involved in the decisions that affect us and future generations. We deserve a voice not only in issues that are traditionally seen as non-gendered but also in response to concerning movements aimed at legislating our bodies.”
Hannah Noelle Reinhard, as a dedicated, confident, and ambitious staffer, has progressed far beyond her own imagination. “I accomplished my ultimate 10-year career goal in just five years,” she explains. “I am now even more dedicated to being an effective staffer who helps strengthen the pathways for others to follow.”
