My name is a bit unusual, but it is what I’ve always been called. I’m proud of my name and its history. One of my ancestors, Samuel Maverick, signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. His practice of not branding his animals led to ranchers calling unbranded stray cattle “mavericks.” The word maverick now describes an independent-minded person. Growing up in the Maverick family has instilled in me a passion for public service.