Texas House 10: James "Jake" Gilbreath
For me, politics isn’t about power or titles; it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. I decided to run for the Texas House because I believe that young people can make a difference. There’s lot’s of work to do for our beautiful state, and I want to do everything in my power to be that person who gives all of himself so that others can live just a little bit better.
- James "Jake" Gilbreath
In our continuing effort to avoid becoming the fire hydrant of Texas politics to the Republicans big dog, Texas Democrats present another edition of "Texas Tuesdays". Today, we present a 21-year-old phenom determined to use his age, energy, and relative inexperience to his advantage. Say hello to Jake Galbreath.
Yep, Texas Democrats start 'em young....
An interesting race to watch this year in Northeast Texas will be that of James "Jake" Gilbreath, who is hoping to unseat incumbent Republican Jim Pitts in Texas House District 10.
HD 10 includes all of Hill and parts of Ellis Counties and includes the cities of Hillsboro, Whitney, Ennis, Waxahachie, Red Oak and Midlothian.
Although winning the district will be an up-hill battle for Gilbreath (the highest numbers any Democrat polled in 2002 was a 36 percent vote tally for John Sharp against Lt. Governor David Dewhurst), the race will likely draw a good bit of attention closer to election day because Gilbreath is one of the youngest candidates in the nation seeking a state legislative office this year. And, if elected, Gilbreath, 21, would be the youngest member of the Texas House.
Gilbreath, a student at George Washington University and part-time server at a Waxahachie resturant, says he has loved politics since an early age, and fondly recalls a visit to hear President Clinton speak in Dallas when he was in seventh grade.
In Gilbreath's case, it would appear that age doesn't begin to measure the level of his commitment.
