Katy Aldredge launches Austin government affairs firm Em Dash Strategies

Former Texas Capitol staffer Katy Aldredge has launched Em Dash Strategies LLC, an Austin lobbying and government affairs firm focused on helping businesses and organizations navigate the Texas Legislature and state government. The firm opens with more than 15 years of Aldredge’s Texas government experience and a practice centered on legislative strategy, appropriations, regulatory work and coalition building.

Why it matters: - Em Dash Strategies enters the Texas lobbying market with a principal who has spent more than 15 years inside state government. - The firm is built to help clients influence legislation, regulations and budget decisions in Austin. - Aldredge’s background gives the firm experience in fast-moving policy areas including technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and financial services.

What happened: - Katy Aldredge launched Em Dash Strategies LLC, an Austin-based government affairs firm serving businesses and organizations before the Texas Legislature and state government. - Aldredge will serve as the firm’s principal. - The launch was announced on Sept. 1, 2026. - Aldredge most recently served as chief of staff to state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione and as director for the House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency. - Her earlier roles included director of the House Appropriations Committee, director of the House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee and work in former Gov. Rick Perry’s administration.

The details: - The firm will offer legislative advocacy, policy development, executive branch engagement, appropriations strategy, regulatory advocacy, coalition building and stakeholder engagement. - Em Dash Strategies will focus on technology, artificial intelligence, data centers, cybersecurity, data privacy, financial services, appropriations, government efficiency, regulatory reform and open government. - Aldredge said the firm is the result of a career spent navigating complex issues, bringing voices together and turning ideas into policy. - Aldredge said the em dash in the firm’s name reflects the idea of connecting distinct ideas to make them stronger. - During her Capitol career, Aldredge passed more than 150 legislative measures. - Aldredge also worked on policy recommendations, committee hearings and floor strategy. - She served as an expert committee director with knowledge of legislative rules and committee procedure. - Aldredge played a role in the Innovation & Technology Caucus, helping legislators and staff engage with subject-matter experts on rapidly changing technology issues. - In her final legislative session, Aldredge led the team behind the Texas House member who passed more bills than any other member.

Between the lines: - Em Dash Strategies is branding itself around relationships, but the launch message also emphasizes technical policy fluency and procedural skill. - That mix suggests the firm wants to compete on more than access. It is positioning itself as a shop for clients facing complex, data-heavy or high-stakes state policy fights. - Aldredge’s career path, from Austin childhood to Capitol staff leadership, is part of the firm’s sales pitch: inside knowledge of how Texas government actually works.

What's next: - Em Dash Strategies will now begin representing clients across industries and policy areas in Texas. - The firm plans to work on advocacy, regulatory and appropriations matters that require both policy development and stakeholder coordination. - Aldredge said the goal is hands-on representation focused on results.

The bottom line: - Em Dash Strategies is launching as a Texas government affairs firm with deep Capitol experience, a broad policy portfolio and a clear focus on relationship-driven advocacy backed by legislative know-how.