Nov
24
Written by:
Andy Hogue
11/24/2009 2:41 PM
... Bryan Law, that is -- a 26-year-old seminarian looking to unseat longtime Rep. Elliott Naishtat (D-Austin) for the HD 49 seat.
Law announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination this week.
According to his campaign Web site, Law was president of the Baptist Student Ministry at University of Texas at Austin, where he received a bachelor's in government before enrolling in Austin Theological Seminary. He works as a youth group teacher in his congregation, Park Hills Baptist Church, and serves on its community and mission services committee. In seminary, he serves as a student senator.
"Bryan's favorite slogan is 'politics and religion don't mix, but faith and public engagement do!'" his Web site read. "Bryan strongly believes all of us have passions, talents, and dreams that we can bring to serve our fellow neighbor and community."
Naishtat is also no stranger to public service, having come to Texas as a VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) volunteer, according to his blog. He took office in 1992, representing the central Austin district since then.
Naishtat and Law are so far the only two candidates in the HD 49 race from either major party.