The candidate statements for the 2026 TCA board election are below. Estanislao J Anzaldua and Atharva Jillhewar failed to submit candidate statements by the deadline but are still on the ballot. Voting will start on August 1.

Kirk Tribes

My name is Kirk A. Tribes and I am running for the Board Director at Large seat for the 2026-2030 term. I have playing chess since I was about 8 years old…and have grown to have many friendships over the years from the game of chess. These wonderful people I have known over the past several years that have mentored me did so in a selfless, giving way and that is why I want to serve as a Board Director of the Texas Chess Association in an effort to pay it forward.

We have currently a fantastic board comprised of members who are service, mission, and duty minded to help advance the organization onto the next level. After having served alongside them for the past few months as an incumbent Board Director, I have firsthand seen their commitment to the game of chess for the entire State of Texas and couldn’t have been more honored to have been part of a fine group of people.

Why vote for me?

I have founded 2 chess organizations and been President of 3 chess organizations over the past 26 years. I have valuable hands-on experience and the gift of being a people person that will serve the greater good of the Texas Chess Association and more importantly, you as the member.

Thank you for your support of the Texas Chess Association.

Sincerely,

Kirk A. Tribes

Jonathan Huerta

Chess has been a part of my life for more than 17 years, and it has given me opportunities, friendships, and experiences that have shaped who I am today. As President of the United Warriors Chess Foundation (a non-profit in Region VIII I helped found)) and Region VIII Director for the Texas Chess Association, I have dedicated myself to expanding opportunities for players of all ages by organizing tournaments, supporting scholastic chess, developing new clubs, and creating scholarship opportunities for students throughout South Texas.

I remain an active tournament player, certified tournament director, coach, and organizer with a peak US Chess rating of nearly 1950. My goal has always been simple: grow the game and leave Texas chess stronger than I found it. Through collaboration with volunteers, schools, parents, and local organizers, I have worked to increase participation and build a stronger chess community across Region VIII.

Outside of chess, I am entering my third year at St. Mary’s University School of Law, where I serve as a Staff Writer for the St. Mary’s Journal on Legal Malpractice & Ethics and work as a research assistant. My experiences in nonprofit leadership, event management, and the legal profession have prepared me to serve the Texas Chess Association with integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability.

If elected, my priorities will be growing TCA membership, increasing scholastic scholarship opportunities, strengthening support for local clubs and tournament organizers, improving communication with our members, and ensuring every region of Texas has the resources needed to succeed. I believe the future of Texas chess is bright, and I would be honored to earn your vote and the opportunity to serve our membership.