Meet Mike
"It is way past time that there were more people with small business experience in Congress. The politicians have had their chance and we have a mountain of debt to show for it – we need people with real experience creating jobs, managing a payroll, balancing budgets, and finding ways to move forward during difficult economic times."
The Jackson Family Construction Business
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For the past thirty-eight years, Mike has worked in the industrial construction business. His father, Jack Jackson, founded Force Corporation in 1973 to provide construction services and maintenance for companies in the petro-chemical corridor of the Greater Houston area. Jack needed his son to work in the family business, and he made sure Mike learned the business from the bottom up.
"Dad wanted me to learn a little bit of everything. That’s why my first job in construction was with a shovel in my hands and my feet in a ditch."
Mike would go on to learn every aspect of the company’s business from pipefitting, heavy equipment operation, welding, and estimating to drafting, sales, and management. During the mid-1980’s, Mike became the President of Force Corporation and he is proud to now have more than one hundred employees working on jobs in petro-chemical plants and refineries in our area.
"It hasn’t always been easy and like many small businesses we’ve had years where it was all we could do to keep folks on payroll and the doors open. During those times, we tightened our belts and made adjustments just like every other family business. Running your own small business is part of the American dream that we must preserve for future generations."
A Proven Record as a Limited Government Conservative
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Since 1989, Mike has served in the Texas State Legislature. In his first campaign, he defeated a sixteen-year incumbent Democrat to earn a seat in the State House. Mike would later go on the be elected to the 11th Senatorial District in 1998, an office he still holds as well as being elected earlier this year as President Pro-Tempore of the Senate.
During his time in the State Legislature, Mike has proven to be a consistent and vocal conservative voice; frequently earning praise and awards from pro-life, pro-business, and limited government organizations.
Mike’s most recent awards for his conservative leadership include:
- 2011 Champion of Small Business from the National Coalition for Capital (NCFC);
- 2011 Taxpayer Advocate Award from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility;
- 2011 Outstanding State Senator of the 82nd Legislative Session by the Texas Deer Association;
- 2010 Citizen of the Year Award from the Southbelt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce;
- 2009 ABC Free Enterprise Champion from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas;
- 2009 Champion of Free Enterprise from the Texas Association of Business;
- 2008 America’s Wetland Special Recognition Award; and
- 2008 Appointed Commissioner to the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.
He has also been recognized with the Freedom and Family Award by Texas Eagle Forum for his staunchly pro-life record.
Deep Roots and a Loving Family
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Mike has lived in the La Porte area since 1973 when his father, Jack Jackson founded Force Corporation. Mike and Vickie have been married since 1983 and are the proud parents of two adult children, Vic and Michelle. They are members of First United Methodist Church of La Porte. Mike is also a member of the Texas State Rifle Association, multiple area Chambers of Commerce, is a licensed pilot, and his hobbies include hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley.
