Former Texas House First Lady Julie Straus was found safe on Friday afternoon after going missing from a San Antonio-area neighborhood the night before, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Straus, 64, is the wife of former House Speaker Joe Straus, who retired from office in 2019 after seven terms in the House — five of them as speaker.
She had been last seen in Terrell Hills around 6:40 p.m. Thursday, according to police. The DPS canceled its silver alert, which broadcasts missing older Texans, just after 3 p.m. Friday.
The former speaker said late Friday in a statement that the search for his wife had involved several agencies, including first responders from the San Antonio area, the DPS, the Texas Rangers, and Texas Parks and Wildlife, along with the Terrell Hills Police Department.
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“[Daughters] Sara, Robyn and I are incredibly grateful for the heroic persistence and true professionalism of local and state law enforcement, as well as our many friends and neighbors who searched night and day until Julie was found,” Joe Straus said in the statement. “Our family will always appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers we received from across Texas. Julie is home safe and in good spirits.”
Relief poured from the halls of the state Capitol after news spread that she had been found.
“Elisabeth and I are relieved to hear that Julie has been found safe,” Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows posted on X. “We’re grateful to law enforcement and the Terrell Hills community for their swift action and care. We continue to keep Joe and Julie in our prayers and are so thankful for this good news.”
“Praise the Lord!” said Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Allen, in a post on X.
Texas state leaders sent prayers and hope to their former colleague earlier Friday as authorities combed the San Antonio area for Julie Straus
State lawmakers, some of whom served in the House with Straus, were quick to offer support as the search wore on earlier in the day.
“Our hearts are heavy as we pray for the safe return of Julie Straus,” Burrows, R-Lubbock, posted on X. “Elisabeth and I are holding the Straus family close in our thoughts, and the entire Texas Legislature is embracing them with love and support.”
Leach, who joined the House two years before Joe Straus, shared the news with a phone number Texans can call for tips.
“Julie Straus is as sweet and as strong as they come,” Leach posted on X. “Praying diligently for her — and for Speaker Straus and their entire family.”
Texas House Republican Caucus Chair Tom Oliverson posted a prayer for her safe return.
“Praying for Julie Straus, former First Lady of the Texas House, her husband @SpeakerStraus and her family. May God put a hedge of protection around her and may she be found quickly.”
Former House Speaker Dennis Bonnen joined the chorus of concern for his friend and former colleague’s family, saying on X that his family is “heartbroken to hear that our dear friend Julie Straus is missing.”
“She is one of the kindest, warmest people you’ll ever meet,” the statement said. “Our hearts ache for the Straus family, and we are praying for Julie’s safe return and for strength and comfort for Joe and their loved ones.”