Tea Party-backed Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX) kicked off the new session of Congress this week by being named “Legislator of the Year” by a group of Texas judges and commissioners.

According to a report in Your Houston News, the Judges/Commissioners Association of Deep East Texas honored Gohmert on Monday at an event at the Austin Omni Hotel, which was attended by more than 300 people.

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The Republican congressman also attended the Deep East Texas Reception, and personally accepted “Deep East Texas Legislator of the Year 2015” award.

“The award is given biannually to a legislator that has shown outstanding efforts on behalf of the people of Deep East Texas,” the report in Your Houston News said.

In a statement, Gohmert said that it was “privilege” to be named “Legislator of the Year.”

“There are no better people in the country or world than East Texans and it is such an honor to represent them and stand up for them, no matter the pressures that exist to abandon our Constitution and just ‘go along to get along,'” the statement said. “I am a blessed man who is humbled and grateful to be voted this honor. It continues to inspire and encourage me to continue to fight for what is best for the country and the wonderful people of East Texas.”