Two Years In, A Lifetime to Guide: the Texas Lobby Guide is the Go-To Capitol Directory

Two years after launching what began as a side project, brothers Dain and Adison Denham have grown the Texas Lobby Guide into one of the most widely used tools at the Capitol, establishing a digital directory that staffers and lobbyists agree is indispensable.

In an exclusive interview with Texas Politics, the twin entrepreneurs reflected on the Texas Lobby Guide’s expansion, sharing how it has shaped connections and conversations in the Lone Star state.

“Two years ago this month, we were heads down making the Texas Lobby Guide site as intuitive as possible so our subscribers could easily navigate and get real value from it,” Dain Denham recalled. “Today, looking back two years post-launch, what’s surprised me most is how widely the Guide has been utilized. Seeing Capitol staffers keep the Texas Lobby Guide open in a separate tab, always just a click away, was such a surprise.”

What truly caught the brothers off guard, however, was the popularity of their Spotlights feature, which highlights the careers and relationships Texas lobbyists have built over the years.

“I never imagined how popular [Spotlights] would become,” Dain shared. “Subscribers love them, and the lobbyists we highlight often hear from colleagues they haven’t connected with in years. It’s such a sweet reminder that those with long, accomplished careers have also built strong long-lasting relationships in their journey.”

That mix of accessibility and personal connection has been the hallmark of the Texas Lobby Guide. The Spotlights have emerged as a standout feature, which some lobbyists cite as having “put them on the map.”

The Denham Brothers with Lorena Campos & Matthew Conner

As Adison explained, “The Spotlights allow us to highlight the careers and stories behind the names, and people connect with that. That kind of feedback is incredibly meaningful because it shows the Spotlights aren’t just informative, they’re personal and celebratory in a way that strengthens relationships at the Capitol.”

The relationships have also extended outside of the Capitol halls. One such relationship they have built is with X accounts like @3SeveralDays. The account has a big following in meme content, and despite the Denham twins not personally knowing the person behind the account, the account has been a significant supporter, repeatedly giving the Guide shout outs and posting about it.

Blending digital innovation with a community-first culture, the Denham twins have also turned the #txlege identity into a vibrant hub of Texas legislative networking. The hashtag had already become popular by 2015, but the brothers smartly aligned the Texas Lobby Guide’s branding with the established tag. By consistently tagging their posts and spotlighting content with #txlege, they tapped into an existing stream of legislative conversation and visibility. In 2025, #txlege is a meaningful and recognized thread in the fabric of Texas political engagement.

A notable aspect about the Guide’s success is the fact that the Denhams are members of Gen-Z. They’ve infused the Guide with the perspective of digital natives who expect political work to adapt alongside technology, and they’re doing their part to help facilitate that.

“Every industry is constantly changing, and I think Gen-Z is not only aware of that but also ready to grow with it,” Adison assessed. “With so many tools and innovations making work easier, we’re learning how to grow with it while also using this moment as a chance to bring fresh ideas to the table. We hope the Texas Lobby Guide can make connecting easier and more accessible in Texas Politics.”

That vision came into sharper focus during the 89th Legislative Session Welcome Reception, a milestone event the Guide hosted.

“We were blown away to have over 100 people join us at the Welcome Reception, everyone from Capitol staffers to lobbyists and even elected officials,” Dain recounted. “From the start, we knew the Texas Lobby Guide had to feature the kind of guest speakers who truly shape Texas politics, because at its heart, this platform has always been about providing a platform for Texas policy professionals to connect. The turnout was insane, and we were truly honored to have them share their voices.”

The 89th Legislative Welcome Reception and Other Events

The brothers attribute part of their success to the mentorship they’ve received, pointing to their mother, Norma Denham, a political consultant and fundraiser. “Our mom, Norma Denham, has guided and helped us navigate challenges in politics and business,” Adison emphasized.

 The brothers also cite longtime lobbyist Deborah Ingersol as a guiding figure. Not only was she their first Spotlight feature, but she was also their first sponsor.

“To this day, our goal remains the same: to continue highlighting professionals in the lobbying industry like Deborah Ingersol who are crafting change behind the scenes,” Adison commented. “And of course, we couldn’t have done any of this without the support of our parents, who’ve been behind us from day one.”

Looking at the road ahead, the Denham brothers anticipate more meaningful growth.

“We would love to expand the lobbyist profiles to include more details and data,” Dain explained. “By having all this information in one place, users wouldn’t have to spend time digging elsewhere, making the Guide even more resourceful.”

In just two years, the Texas Lobby Guide has become more than just a directory. For the twin entrepreneurs, it’s proof that they are navigating the conversation about the future of Texas Politics, which they’ve affirmed by building a platform that connects professionals and drives the Capitol into the future.