When Gion Thomas was just 12-years-old he experienced the devastating impact of climate change after his family lost everything when Hurricane Katrina destroyed his boyhood home in New Orleans 18 years ago.
Forced to rebuild their lives in Houston, Gion, along with his mom and sister, learned a second valuable lesson about the importance of community and kindness.
After graduating from Katy High School, Gion first pursued a career in football, including stints playing semi-professionally for the Houston Lobos and Katy Flyers. Eventually he went on to graduate from the Barbara Jordan—Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University.
Motivated to give back to his adopted home of Katy, Gion has dedicated his life to helping young people make an impact through voting and becoming politically active. His passion for community engagement and activism launched him on a journey defined by a diverse range of experiences that reflect his commitment to driving positive change.
From managing neighborhood-based campaigns for political leaders like Beto O'Rourke and Rochelle Garza, to recruiting lawyers from top law firms at AC Executive, to serving as the CEO of Protest Organize Participate (P.O.P.), Gion’s involvement spans campaign strategy, recruitment, and progressive advocacy.
As the host and creator of the political podcast “Raw Take,” Gion engages on critical issues facing Houstonians while amplifying marginalized community voices that need to be heard. His dedication to community extends to volunteering for the Katy Democrats, Powered by the People, and the Urban League.
Building on his education from Texas Southern University, Gion added to his knowledge and skill set in 2022 by earning a postgraduate certificate in public administration from Harvard University.
During the COVID global pandemic, Gion stepped up his community-based activities by working to provide clothing and distribute food to the unhoused, disseminating vital information on COVID and health-related matters, and driving voter registration initiatives.
Gion’s commitment to fostering collaboration among different groups of people underscores his vision of creating a more engaged and empowered society. It's this comprehensive approach that defines his campaign for the U.S. Congress and motivates him to continue working tirelessly toward a more just and inclusive future.