I want to respectfully acknowledge that my office in Houston currently occupies the ancestral lands of the Akokisa, Karankawa, Ishak (Atakapa), Sana, and Coahuiltecan people. These Indigenous nations were the original stewards of this land, and their deep connections to this place long preceded European colonization. I recognize the ongoing contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples and communities, and I am committed to honoring their legacy through continued learning, respect, and advocacy.

As a descendant of white European colonizers, I acknowledge that I have directly benefited from the displacement and harm inflicted upon Indigenous peoples. I recognize that the legacy of colonization persists today, and I am committed to ongoing learning, self-reflection, and taking meaningful action to challenge the systems that continue to marginalize Indigenous communities. I strive to use my position and privilege to support Indigenous sovereignty, amplify Indigenous voices, and work toward a more just and equitable future.