Dave McNeely, Longtime Texas Journalist, Dies at 85

Dave McNeely (far left) is pictured in this American-Statesman staff photo outside the Texas Capitol alongside fellow journalists David Pasztor, Ken Herman, Gary Susswein, Laylan Copelin, Juan Elizondo, Tara Trower and Michele Kay.

Peter Yang/Austin American-Statesman

Dave McNeely, a beloved figure in Texas journalism whose political columns enlightened readers for decades, died early Saturday at the age of 85.

His death was confirmed by his wife of almost 22 years, Kathryn McNeely, and Rusty Todd, a longtime friend and fellow journalist and educator.

"I loved Dave like a brother," Todd said, describing McNeely as a tenacious reporter, with an "instant network" of sources.

Born June 12, 1940, McNeely began his journalistic journey as a political reporter and editor for The Daily Texan, the student newspaper at the University of Texas at Austin.

He covered his first Texas legislative session in 1963. Over the next six decades, he became a fixture at the Texas Capitol, attending more legislative sessions than even the longest-serving legislators.

McNeely joined the American-Statesman in 1978, where he distinguished himself as both a political reporter and editor, and an incisive columnist whose encyclopedic knowledge of state government earned him the admiration of peers and politicians alike.

McNeely "was a mentor to me and everyone," said longtime Texas journalist Ross Ramsey, now a speaker and consultant. "He was competitive like any journalist, but would give a competitor a lift up."

Longtime Texas journalist Dave McNeely
Handout/Courtesy photo

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson recalled meeting McNeely in the 1980s when he was a political reporter covering a lawsuit over congressional redistricting and Watson was "a 23-year-old kid fresh out of law school."

Eventually they became running buddies. As they trotted around Lady Bird Lake, then known as Town Lake, they'd trade stories and insights over whatever issue was dominating headlines, Watson said. Sometimes they'd agree, sometimes not.

"If you disagreed with McNeely, you'd better be minding your business because he was always well-researched," Watson said, noting that one of the highlights of running the trail with McNeely was that he always packed an ice chest of beer for afterward.

"That's how you ran with McNeely; you finished it off with an ice cold beer," Watson said. "I'm just broken-hearted by this news."

Former Statesman editor Rich Oppel said that when he arrived at the newspaper in 1995, McNeely "was a force—a big, generous, warm-spirited man." His nickname was "Moose."

"Dave got the story first, had great sources, and translated the inscrutable ways of Texas politicians into readable copy," Oppel said.

Dave McNeely, right, poses at the Texas Electric Coop in April 2005 alongside fellow journalist Kaye Northcutt. Both were former editors of the Daily Texan.
Kelly West/Austin American-Statesman

A noted educator as well as a journalist, McNeely co-taught “The Press and Politics” at UT alongside both Paul Begala and Karl Rove, offering students firsthand insights from across the political spectrum. He also held a Congressional Fellowship in Washington and was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard, enhancing his journalistic credentials in national policy and governmental affairs.

Beyond his reporting, McNeely co-authored “Bob Bullock: God Bless Texas” with Jim Henderson, a biography of the late lieutenant governor that reflected his deep understanding of the state’s political culture.

"Bullock called me more than once to complain about McNeely’s column, calls that always brought a smile to my face," Oppel said.

McNeely's first wife was Saundra Inman McNeely. He later married Carole Kneeland, an award-winning TV news reporter and news director, until her death from breast cancer in 1998. He later married Kathryn Terwey Longley, with whom he shared a life rich in family and civic engagement.

Upon his retirement in 2004, McNeely continued writing a syndicated political column for Texas newspapers, remaining an enduring voice of clarity and integrity in state politics.

McNeely leaves behind a legacy defined by journalistic rigor, thoughtful commentary and mentorship to generations of students and reporters. He will be remembered as the “dean of the Texas Capitol press corps,” a title reflecting both his longevity and his unparalleled expertise.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a broad community of colleagues, readers, and friends who admired his work and character.