Joanne Shofner (born September 28, 1964) is a seventh-generation Texan and small business owner who serves as the state representative for Texas House District 11. She defeated incumbent six-term representative Travis Clardy in the contentious 2024 Republican primary, winning over 60% of the vote. Shofner's primary victory came after she championed school vouchers and education savings accounts, positions opposed by Clardy. She was endorsed by Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz, former Governor Rick Perry, and other prominent Texas Republicans. Shofner worked as a manager for Hyatt Hotels and holds a bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Houston. She has served as president of the Nacogdoches County Republican Women and works as a trained Christian life coach helping women in recovery from traumatic experiences.
Joanne Shofner was born and raised in Houston, Texas, in a family of entrepreneurs and public servants with business interests in commercial real estate, construction, development, banking, and finance. She earned a bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Houston (Hilton School) in 1990. She worked as a manager for Hyatt Hotels and later became a trained Christian life coach. For over 20 years, she has taught Bible studies and led women's retreats. Her small business focuses on empowering women in recovery from traumatic experiences. Shofner has served on boards of universities and public school systems, civic organizations, and state organizations appointed by multiple governors. She is president of the Nacogdoches County Republican Women and serves on the Nacogdoches Historical Landmark Preservation Committee and her church's finance committee. Shofner is married to David Shofner and has a blended family of seven children and six grandchildren.