Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is featuring stories from mothers seeking or serving in public office to celebrate Mother’s Day. WPLN's Director of Development, Maureen McInerney, interviewed Angie Chen Button of Texas House District 112. Check out the conversation to hear about her experience balancing service to her family and community!

Angie Chen Button is currently serving as State Representative for House District 112 which includes portions of Garland, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, and Dallas in Dallas County. She currently serves as Chair of the International Relations and Economic Development Committee and as a member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Representative Button worked for Texas Instruments (TI) as an International Marketing Manager and is a CPA with Masters’ degrees in Public Finance and Management Sciences. Before her election to the Texas House, Rep. Button was a member of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board and an Executive Committee Member of the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition (DRMC). She served in leadership positions with chambers of commerce, citizen coalitions, and for other civic and non-profit organizations. She has also been part of the Dallas Assembly, the Dallas Summit, and the Women’s Museum Advisory Board.

Representative Button was born in Taipei, Taiwan. As a child, her seven person family lived in a 300 square foot, one-room hut without a kitchen. She credits education with bringing her a better life. Rep. Button and her husband Darcy have lived in Richardson and Garland for over 30 years and are the proud grandparents of three.

[WPLN]: Tell us a little bit about your decision to run. What motivated you, and what did you hope to accomplish in office?

[Rep. Angie Chen Button]: As an immigrant (I came to the United States for graduate studies), my motivation to run may differ somewhat from many candidates. I am driven by a deep sense of gratitude for the many blessings this country and the great state of Texas has given me. I had long served many civic organizations and the joy of making a difference pushed me to do even more. That opportunity arose when my mentor, Senator Florence Shapiro, asked me to run after the longtime State Rep. announced that he would not seek re-election.

What was that conversation like with your family as you were making this decision?

Honestly, they were leery. Fortunately, none of us fully understand how tough campaigning is on the family. We learned fast and despite the sacrifices, I think everyone is glad that I ran.

Are your kids participating in any aspects of your campaign? How about now that you are in office?

My only child Dane was granted approval to delay the start of his first job out of college so he could be my campaign manager.  We did not poll it, but he was extremely popular, often stepping in as an excellent surrogate when I needed to be in two places at once.

He went to work right after I won, but I still call him for advice.  Getting a younger perspective, especially on education matters, has been valuable.

  

Were there any difficult situations that you had to overcome in regards to balancing your public service and family life?

In Texas, we have ‘citizen’ legislators that are paid $600 a month. While the pay would lead one to think otherwise, serving as a State Representative is a full-time commitment along with the added responsibilities of campaigning on an ongoing basis. Fortunately, my husband accepted an early retirement offer to join me as the best help I can ever ask for. No doubt the balancing of family life must be more of a struggle for many of my colleagues.

 
What advice would you give, or a piece of wisdom you wish you’d known?

Genuinely listen to advice but follow your heart.

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day this year?

I hope to spend time with my family.

Thank you to Representative Angie Chen Button for sharing your experience with WPLN!