Drew Tedford

Drew is a government affairs professional who helps businesses navigate complex state legislative and regulatory environments in Texas. He advises on government relations strategy, including issues involving tech policy and free speech, civil litigation, water policy, energy and utilities, gaming, automotive law, and business law.

Prior to joining Troutman Strategies, Drew was director of government relations for the second-largest privately held company in Texas. There he oversaw state government relations for a portfolio of a dozen business units across five states and learned firsthand what an in-house GR professional needs from his or her lobby team. He aligned diverse company interests behind a cohesive policy objective and managed political engagement, including PAC strategy and contributions, with legislators and executive branch officials.

Before that, he directed the Senate Committee on State Affairs, the Texas Legislature’s largest committee by volume of bills considered. He worked closely with members of the Senate, coordinated directly with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Senate Parliamentarian, and established policy consensus with House authors and sponsors who had business before the committee.

Areas of Focus
• Government + Regulatory
• Lobbying + Public Affairs

Professional Experience
• Director of Government Relations, The Friedkin Group, 2024-2026
• Director, Office of Senator Bryan Hughes and Senate Committee on State Affairs, 2017-2023
• Legislative counsel, Texas Legislative Council, 2012–2017

Education
• University of Houston Law Center, J.D., magna cum laude, 2010, Order of the Coif
• Rice University, B.A., 2007

Bar Admissions
• Texas