Texas Border Business
AUSTIN (Monday, Aug. 14, 2017) — Hidalgo County attorney and candidate for the 13th Court of Appeals Jaime Tijerina has received the official endorsement of Gov. Greg Abbott, the governor’s office announced Monday.
“I am pleased to endorse Jaime Tijerina for the 13th Court of Appeals,” Gov. Abbott wrote in a statement. “Lt. Col. Jaime Tijerina is the voice we need now more than ever on the 13th Court. When he was running for this very same position six years ago, Jaime was suddenly called away from the campaign trail in order to serve a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Jaime had my endorsement back then, and I am proud to offer it to him again today as he stands up to fight this important battle for Texas justice. Jaime is a sharp legal mind with proven judicial experience. He will serve the law of Texas as dutifully as he has served his country. Jaime Tijerina has my full support in his race to become Justice of the 13th Court of Appeals, Place 4.”
On Monday, Tijerina expressed his gratitude for the governor’s support and reiterated his commitment to restoring public faith in the Texas legal system, as well as providing the court with greater independence and diversity of opinion.
“I am deeply humbled to have the endorsement of Gov. Abbott, a man I consider a friend and a leader I have always respected,” Tijerina said. “His lifelong commitment to public service — first as a judge, then as Attorney General, and now as our Governor — is a continuous source of inspiration for me and one of the reasons why I decided to enter this race to become an Appellate Court Justice.”
Tijerina is no stranger to public service either. In 2013, he was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to serve as a District Judge in Hidalgo County. He has also served South Texas citizens as County Attorney in Kenedy County and now in his current role as a City Attorney for the City of Mission.
As a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserves, he served tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting to uphold the law in the midst of war during the major American military operations of 2009 and 2012, earning him two Bronze Stars. He hopes to pick up where left off where his 2012 campaign left off.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Tijerina said. “I believe in the path set forth before me by my lord and savior, wherever it may lead. He took me to Afghanistan because our country needed me there. And now, he’s brought me back to the campaign trail, because the citizens of Texas need me here.”
