My Story
From DFW roots to servant leadership: why I am running for Texas families.
I am Nicholas Ryan Holbrook. I was born and raised in the DFW area, and this campaign comes from real life, not political theater. I know what pressure feels like. I know what responsibility looks like. And I know our people deserve better than empty promises.
Roots in DFW
A local life built in the same communities I now want to serve.
I grew up in DFW and spent most of my life here. My family, my work, my friendships, and my values were shaped in these neighborhoods. This region made me who I am. I am not coming in as an outsider with a script. I am one of the people who has lived the day-to-day reality of raising a family, paying bills, and trying to build a future in North Texas.
Learning Through Work
Hard work came first — and it taught me how people should be treated.
I started working young. In 2004, I worked as a bagger at Kroger in Euless. In 2005, I sold cell phones for a small business off Rufe Snow in Watauga, and in 2006 I worked at Costco in Southlake. In 2011, I sold electronics at the old CompUSA off Highway 121 in Euless. These were not glamorous jobs, but they were honest jobs. They taught me discipline, respect, and how to treat people with dignity.
Before technology, I also served as a Regional Operations Manager for a cell phone company that ran dozens of mall stores across DFW, East Texas, and Oklahoma. That season taught me how to manage pressure, support teams, and stay accountable when decisions affect real lives.
From Hard Work to Technology Leadership
Self-taught, tested, and shaped by solving complex problems.
I pursued my dream to become a self-taught software engineer and spent more than 13 years growing in that field. I eventually became a Director of Software Engineering, leading teams and solving complex problems that impacted large groups of users. I learned how to listen, prioritize what matters, and execute with clarity under pressure.
The best leaders I have seen are not loud for attention. They are clear, steady, and honest. They protect people, develop others, and own mistakes. That is the leadership standard I bring to public service.
Family, Responsibility, and Real Life
I am a father and provider before I am anything else.
I am a family man with four children. I know what it means to be responsible for people who depend on you, to make hard choices on a tight budget, and to keep showing up when life is heavy. That is why family affordability is not just a policy phrase to me. It is personal.
I also believe character matters. A Jesus-first mindset in leadership means truth without spin, compassion without weakness, courage without arrogance, and forgiveness without abandoning accountability. You do not have to share my faith to understand that these values build trust and stronger communities.
Why I’m Running
Because too many families are doing everything right and still falling behind.
Families in District 98 are being squeezed from every angle: property taxes, rent and housing pressure, groceries, utilities, childcare, and the rising cost of everyday life. Parents are worried about school safety and educational quality. Ordinary people are tired of feeling ignored by systems that should serve them.
I am running because we need serious, honest leadership that puts people over performance. I am not owned by donor networks, party bosses, or special interests. I answer to the people in this district.
What I’ll Fight For
Three priorities tied directly to daily life.
- Family affordability and housing pressure relief: practical action to lower the day-to-day burden on working families and create breathing room.
- Safe, strong schools and parent-connected education: better safety, better classroom outcomes, stronger teacher support, and clear pathways to college, trades, technology, and entrepreneurship.
- Equal justice, liberty, and government accountability: fair treatment under the law, constitutional freedom, transparency, and systems that serve people instead of controlling them.
A Campaign of Service, Truth, and Courage
This campaign is for people who want real leadership.
I am not running to be a celebrity. I am running to serve. I will tell you the truth, even when it is not convenient. I will stay accessible. I will treat people with respect, including people who disagree with me. And I will stand firm when something is wrong.
If you are looking for a campaign rooted in real life, faith-informed character, and practical action for families, I am asking for your trust, your voice, and your help.