Edward Giles

Edward Giles served in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 2005. Giles earned a high school diploma from Highland High School and a bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1985.

Giles' career experience includes working as an executive director.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Unwilling to make any move without first giving praise and honor to God, allow me to introduce myself as a bondservant to the Lord of Hosts and The Great I Am. I remain an unwavering Christian, subscribing to the truth that: "A false balance is an abomination to God, but a just weight is His delight!" I adhere to unfailing biblical principals to guide my interactions with others. My wife, Deniesa, family, existing relationships and lifetime involvement through military and civic service form operational boundaries for this man of great faith.

Born and raised is San Antonio, TX, I am a 1985 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy (West Point). Integricious Leadership and obedience to God's call upon my life are critical components of my DNA. I retired from military service as a Major and am a Disabled American Veteran and Veteran of Foreign Wars. I have also provided leadership, representing business in Seattle and Shelton, Washington as the President of the Central Area Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Ambassador, respectively. I have organized activities between a correctional prison, volunteers and local communities as the Community Involvement Program Coordinator for the WA Corr Ctr. God blessed me to start Just Praise, Inc., a faith organization which grows in giving. My greatest passion and strength is found in serving people as a bold voice to address: "Real Issues - Facing Real People - Within Real Communities. I have a heart for service!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Texas has opportunity to lead our nation in "Exacting Business As Unusual!" The Bible tells one: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. "Business As Unusual" directs this campaign toward taking care of God's business (real people) first and involves said (real) people in being the critical element in jointly addressing concerns which tend to divide and erode trust and relationships. "Business As Unusual" assigns roles and responsibilities to every aspect of society. It will often result in backtracking to ensure that none in society are neglected and demands a level of personal sacrifice from leaders who are mandated to serve those they lead.It is imperative that this campaign: "Address Real Issues, Facing Real People Within Real Communities." Real Issues are defined by those impacted by the issues. These real issues are not incumbered by race, age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. They equally touch all members of society. Selfishness or greed are not considered, as every person reacts to the move of real issues. Real People hurt; they bleed and have a vested interest in great leadership, guidance and direction. Real people feel and are accountable. Real communities respond in a manner unlike corporations, fantasy, manipulated or AI/computer generated societies. Real communities breathe, bare scars once abused; show a remarkable resilience and can heal.There is a power of relationship. There is strength in "Stretching" to reach out to individuals in their times of need, as these individuals will hopefully be present and available to impact others in need at a later time. As Texas Governor, I have the mandate to successfully move the train over terrain that is often hostile. As "Wagon Master," I am fully aware of the need to send lookouts and scouts to test the waters in advance of the wagon train's arrival at a point that could result in a bottle neck and total disruption of the movement forward. I fully recognize, and accept, the historical aspect of this campaign should God place me in the office of Governor. I commit to run this race faithfully.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Senior Care (Healthcare, Cost of Living and Protection) is a critical aspect of this campaign, as there is a need to respect the acquired knowledge and wisdom of those that have overcome the tests that many are just entering. Respect and honor for all veterans and their families ensure that those willing to sacrifice in the service of our state and our military facilities are ready to respond when needed. The unhoused/homeless issue requires attention in providing "resources towards restoration," tapping into talents that many unhoused/homeless already possess. Schools require safety and maintain a standard of education. Put AI in check; Energy/Food Security; Establish a "State - level Inconvenience Tax."

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jesus Christ is my utmost example for righteousness, sacrifice, obedience, compassion, humility, patience, hope, peace, strength, leadership, faith, endurance, prayer, service, wisdom, love, thanksgiving, reverence, admonishment, diligence, knowledge, understanding and so much more. I look up to Biblical giants such as: Abraham, Joseph, Joshua, King David, Paul and the disciples. I look up to strong women of great faith such as my mother, Rita Lee, Mom Terry Pounds, Cousin Bessie Giles and my wife, Deniesa Giles. I do pay respect to all those that suffered and sacrificed to open doors for me to walk through to this position.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity in word and deed. Trustworthiness. Courage to deliver sometimes harsh but necessary words. Faith and reliance in God, Who provides the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to lead.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Core responsibilities for this office rests in being accountable to God and mankind. As Governor, it is imperative that I demonstrate Integrity, Loyalty and Commitment in both word and deed. A willingness to sacrifice selfish aims and ambitions for the ultimate benefit of those governed is paramount. It is not necessary to have all the answers to any given situation but necessary to surround myself with good counsel who are well focused on the needs of Texians. A portion of West Point's Cadet Prayer petitions God's assistance in choosing "the harder right over the easier wrong." I am ultimately responsible for executing wisdom and compassionate care in the direction of Texas.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of service to others and involved giving. I would like to be that seasonal wind that generates enough force to change the existent landscape of lives for the better. I would to instill within leaders, at all levels, the ultimate goal of "Lead To Serve!"

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked a newspaper route with my eldest brother until my uncle slid on gravel wrecking and destroying our transportation near the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum. It was our first 10-speed bicycle. It's amazing how some events readily come back to mind.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I guess that I have always been a "Secret Sweet Stacher!" I am struggling with the "Sweet Tarts" but never my faith in God!

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

The responsibility to listen to and engage an informed people is very important. I don't mind serving as a buffer between the citizens of Texas and competing interest of Federal and other entities. I witness too many politicians selling out the resources and heritage of Texas short. Contractors receive opportunities to destroy the pristine nature of Texas and without too much in the way of repercussions. It is time to return to a level of transparent accountability.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

In the absence of elected officials devoting due diligence to the necessary actions to safeguard Texas and its resources. The time for gamesmanship has long passed. Any indication that partisan groups are playing to special interests at the risk of Texians' critical needs, would serve as an immediate trigger to the line-item veto. Allow me to be the litmus paper that will reveal leaders' willingness or unwillingness to operate in the best interest of Texas!

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

Upon identifying any potentiality for the risk of great numbers of life or excessive property, there should be no hesitancy in the Texas Governor initiating the use of emergency powers. Unlike fine wine, bad news does not get better with time! The emergency powers should also prevail in the stalled actions of elected leaders as a whole.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

This campaign seeks committed involvement from all individuals residing in, visiting or participants in Texas. It seeks to put the breaks on the excessive flow of corporate and lobbyist monies. This campaign does not actively seek endorsements from PACs or other entities, as "Who needs a Super PAC, when one is in a Super PACT with the Creator, Himself, Who remains the endorsement for all people associated with this campaign? This campaign is truly an exercise in obedience and all that will occur as people join together with a deliberate intention to work and on one accord. Further, as this campaign progresses, it solicits that individuals unwilling to believe in its actions simply: "Do not vote for its candidate!"

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

My acceptance to attend USMA, West Point.

Edward Giles did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.