As a child, my grandfather Henry B. Gonzalez, instilled in me an overriding belief in the importance of dedication, commitment and service to others. As I listened to my grandfather's stories from his service in the Texas Senate and his nearly 40 years of service to the citizens of Bexar County in the United States House of Representatives, I learned many important lessons. Above all, I learned the overriding importance in doing your absolute best to protect the rights of those who have entrusted themselves to your care. This is true no matter the odds that may be stacked against you.
This lesson was repeated for me when my uncle Charlie Gonzalez, a former Bexar County District Court Judge, was elected to my grandfather's seat in the United States House of Representatives. Uncle Charlie then continued the Gonzalez family tradition of serving the public in the United States Congress. Many other members of my family work in the legal profession as judges, trial lawyers and in other capacities.