By Jaci Schneider, Copy Editor
An ACU alumnus announced he will run for Texas State Representative for District 71 Thursday.
Kevin Christian, class of 2000, will campaign to fill the seat of Rep. Bob Hunter, chancellor emeritus, for the Republican primary election in March.
Christian graduated with a degree in political science from ACU before attending the University of Texas School of Law. While a student, Christian was a Pope Fellow, a member of the men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi and worked for Hunter, he said.
Men from GSP attended Christian’s announcement Thursday to show their support of his campaign.
In Christian’s announcement, he said he knows what it takes to get the job done in Austin. He said he has the experience needed to serve the district.
“My experience has prepared me to be a good representative of West Texas values in Austin,” Christian said in his speech.
He said West Texans want someone who will support public schools, create jobs and economic prosperity, reform the tax system, conserve Christian values and bolster the Texas Equalization Grant.
According to Christian’s biography, he served as Hunter’s chief of staff and executive director for Gov. Rick Perry’s West Texas Office of Economic Development and Tourism. He also has a part-time law practice in Abilene.
Hunter announced earlier this month that he would not run for re-election for the office he has served in for more than 20 years because he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His term ends in January 2007.
Christian called Hunter a “mentor and friend,” and said he learned a lot from him while working in his office.
“Bob Hunter is the consummate statesman, and I am so thankful for my relationship with him,” Christian said.
Christian said he plans to run a “grass roots” campaign, and will go door-to-door and meet with people in their homes.
“The students at ACU and across this district will make a big difference in this election,” Christian said. “I really believe that.”
Dr. Neal Coates, professor of political science and a professor Christian said influenced him in his time at the university, said he looks forward to watching the campaign.
“ACU has a long history of representing people in this area,” Coates said. “It will be fun to watch Kevin run.”
Coates also said he’s proud Christian made the decision to run.
“It’s not very often that people in their 20s run for a district office,” Coates said. “This will be exciting for him.”
So far, two other people have announced they will run for the office. Republican Rob Beckham and Libertarian Vanessa Harris.
