By Kurt Kuhn

I can still remember the feelings of excitement, nerves, and adrenaline that I had standing on the field awaiting an opening kickoff when I played football. After countless days of practice and preparation, the game was finally on. When my campaign staff said it was time to hold our campaign kickoff, I could not help but think back to those moments. But this was a different kind of kickoff.

First, we have already been hard at work for quite some time. Since my announcement letter went out last December, I have spent the last eleven months campaigning hard to build a grass roots network across all twenty-four counties of the district. I am proud of the work that we have put in and our early success. A good sign of that success was the host list for our kickoff party: State Senator Kirk Watson, State Representatives Valinda Bolton, Pete Gallego, Donna Howard, Diana Maldonado, Elliott Naishtat, Eddie Rodriguez, and Mark Strama, and Austin Councilmember Chris Riley. Now that is an all-star lineup!

Second, as significant as those football games seemed to me at the time, this campaign is more important. The Third Court is one of the most important courts in Texas. Because the Third Court’s district includes our capital city, it routinely reviews and decides cases involving state agencies, government officials, and administrative appeals. The Third Court plays a vital role in the key legal issues affecting Texas. Whether they know it or not, the Third Court affects the lives of every single Texan.

Third, as this kickoff got under way, I was not nervous. I have dedicated my entire professional career to the Texas appellate courts, and I would not be in this campaign unless I felt that I was the best qualified candidate to help make the court, once again, one of the best appellate courts in the state. Wherever we go, our campaign message is resonating with the people I meet, and I have confidence in the voters of Central Texas.

Maybe, more than a “kickoff,” it was a recognition party for both the success so far and the hard work that lies ahead. Whatever we call it, it was a great event: great music, great food, great weather, and great company. Now, it is time to get back to work—“Game On!”