Statement Regarding My Former Name and Public Service

In politics—as in life—truth is often no match for a well-placed whisper. But let’s be clear: the issue I’m about to address didn’t surface because someone “uncovered” it. It’s being discussed because I brought it forward on day one.

Back on June 25, in a social media post I penned in full disclosure and absolute transparency, I publicly addressed my time on the Leander ISD Board of Trustees, my resignation, and why, in 2024 I changed my name. I laid it all out—not because I was obligated to, but because that’s what leadership demands: accountability without being asked.

Since then, the story has been passed from person to person, and as expected, the version I told has been diluted by speculation, bent by assumption, and reshaped by people more interested in drama than truth. So let’s settle this topic again—clearly and directly.

✔️ A Matter of Public Record

I served two terms on the Leander ISD Board under my former name, Jim MacKay. I was elected twice with record-breaking vote totals—25,581 votes in 2016, and 36,476 votes in 2020. Those records still stand today.

I have been and continue to be a visible and vocal ally for the queer community. My words and my actions both stand in undeniable testament to that fact. True to that legacy, during my tenure, I fiercely defended inclusive literature in our school libraries—books written by Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, Indigenous, and immigrant authors—because every student deserves to see themselves in the stories they’re allowed to access. However, I also held the view that graphic depictions of sex and violence in K–12 settings should be thoughtfully reviewed, regardless of who wrote them.

That is not censorship, that is not “banning books”. That was and still is responsible public service. Enter extremists from both sides of the political spectrum. My desire to have responsible, transparent, and collaborative conversations about culture war flashpoints was very unpopular with the far-right, and unfortunately, some on the far-left.

Because I refused to take a side in a politicized tug-of-war, I became a target. Because my focus was on children’s education, creating a safe and inclusive community for all children, my family was harassed. I received death threats. Another board member’s home was destroyed by a “fire of undetermined origin.” And amidst the escalating hostility, my marriage ended.

In 2021, I resigned to protect 40,000 students, my family, and my community. These all-or-nothing, visceral culture wars destroyed a community, and I was at the epicenter. I moved away, hung up my politics hat, and began to heal. Since then, I completed a bachelor's degree in Human and Social Services, and then I completed a master’s degree in Government, Education, and Cultural Studies. Then I wrote and published a book. Currently, I am pursuing a second master's program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

I had no interest in re-entering politics. That is, until Donald J. Trump began to dismantle our democracy and terrorize marginalized communities. He and the Republican terrorists must be stopped, and I know that I can contribute mightily to that fight as a member of Congress. So, here I am.

👤 The Name Change

I legally changed my name on January 5, 2024, to honor my late mother’s side of the family. There are no remaining members of that lineage, and it was something I had considered for a long time—a decision of personal heritage, not political calculation. Let me be clear about this: I didn’t change my name in 2021. I didn’t change it in 2022 when I briefly filed for office and later withdrew. I changed my name to honor my heritage THREE YEARS after leaving office and more than a year before deciding to re-engage in the fight for our democracy.

🎯 The Politics of Distraction

I re-entered public life not because I was seeking redemption, but because I was watching the very fabric of our democracy unravel under leaders like Pete Sessions and Donald Trump.

And now that I’m back in the arena, some would rather fight ghosts than confront the urgent work ahead.

If we’re going to play in the shadows—if that’s the level of discourse this race is going to entertain—then find another candidate. I wear my integrity and my scars with honor. I will not participate in smear campaigns, innuendo, conspiracy-chasing, or whatever brand of sophomoric ego politics some find thrilling.

We’ve seen enough of that already, from both sides of the aisle. The gaslighting. The misinformation. The disinformation. The character assassinations dressed up as “concern.” I will not validate it with engagement, and I won’t waste your time reacting to it.

This moment is too important.

💬 What I Stand For

I’ve led in crisis. I’ve stood alone when it mattered. I’ve made hard decisions and stood by them.

✅ I resigned in 2021.

✅ I changed my name in 2024.

✅ I’ve been transparent about both.

✅ And I’m still standing.

This campaign is about showing up—for working families, for students, for veterans, for our democracy. It’s about taking on Pete Sessions and the party that sold its soul to extremism. It’s about flipping TX-17—not playing small-ball games that help no one and harm everyone.

🛠️ The Bottom Line

If that kind of honesty makes you uncomfortable, I’m not your candidate.

But if you’re tired of politicians who talk around the truth, hide behind consultants, and cave under pressure, then I’m ready to lead.

Let’s stop sabotaging our own bench. Let’s stop disqualifying candidates for surviving what others wouldn’t. And let’s start building something worth defending.

Because I’m not here for the game. I’m here to kick in the damn door.

—

J. Gordon Mitchell

Candidate for U.S. House, TX-17