(512) 472-9090 ext. 324
cmains@sklaw.us
Download vCard
Chuck Mains is the Government Affairs Director for SKLaw. He is one the most pervasive and recognizable lobbyists in the Texas Capitol. His strong relationships with key elected officials, legislative staff, and other lobbyists are critical in promoting client initiatives.
During legislative sessions, Mr. Mains develops and implements legislative strategy, advances bills, and educates lawmakers on issues. His work includes organizing stakeholder interfacing, developing grassroots advocacy strategies, conducting briefings with legislators, staff, and executive branch officials, coordinating expert testimony, and creating support materials. He closely monitors all relevant legislative action and regularly communicates progress with clients.
In the interim, he develops and coordinates client objectives and strategy, including related legislative interim committee meeting participation and applicable state agency hearings. He also advises clients on political and campaign participation matters.
Prior to joining SKLaw, Mr. Mains spent 18 years working in both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. As Director of the Senate Business & Commerce Committee under former Sen. Kevin Eltife, he oversaw over 400 individual pieces of legislation, receiving wide exposure to business issues and leaders. He garnered bipartisan support for large-scale issues including telecommunications, banking, water, insurance, utilities, and healthcare. He was instrumental in the passage of monumental legislation lifting regulations on the craft beer industry, which resulted in an estimated $5.6 billion economic impact to the state and increased market share for craft brewers. Before his work with Sen. Eltife, he provided committee and legislative oversight for Sen. Mario Gallegos.
In the Texas House, he served Rep. Manny Najera and Rep. Tracy King in various strategic roles, including committee support, issue development, and media relations.
Mr. Mains was born in Houston. He received a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Texas State University. He has served on the Austin Residential Design & Compatibility Commission, the Energy Tree Task Force, and the Galindo Elementary Neighborhood Association Board. He is a member of the Austin Parks Foundation, and performs volunteer work for Glimmer of Hope. He serves on the Board of Directors for Tequila 512 and is a member of the Toledo Bend Lake Association and Sigma Chi Fraternity. During his tenure in the Capitol, he was voted “Best Committee Director” by his colleagues.