TOP PAC Reached Over 260,000 TX Voters 

The following statement is from Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to the group’s efforts in the 2022 Texas Democratic Primary:

“At the end of 2021, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) PAC launched an intensive candidate screening process aimed at endorsing primary candidates who are unapologetic in their commitment to justice and transforming our state into one where Black and Latino Texans can thrive. The result was a slate of 22 endorsed leaders ready to champion progressive policies to uplift our communities.

“Over the past four weeks, our get-out-the-vote program outreached through canvassing, texting, phone-banking, and mailers to over 260,000 Texans, not only about our endorsed candidates, but on issues that impact their daily lives.

“Connecting these issues to the ballot box, and subsequently the elected officeholders who address these issues, is where our voter engagement work proves to be vital. It’s an essential part of our goal to bring to life a true Texas for all.” 

Ray Brackens, Harris County TOP board member, added:

“We know there is no pathway to build progressive power in our state — to truly make a Texas that works for everyone — without meaningful and sustained voter engagement in Black and Latino communities.”

“Each and every election cycle, we are building the progressive infrastructure we need in our communities to connect with these voters and organize around their issues. This is how we shift the political landscape in our state, and how we put more power into the hands of Black and Latino Texans.”

TOP PAC congratulates the following endorsed candidates in advancing or winning their Democratic primary races, as of this afternoon:

• Jessica Cisneros (Congress, TX-28)
• Jasmine Crockett (Congress, TX-30)
• Greg Casar (Congress, TX-35)
• Lina Hidalgo (Harris County Judge)
• Adrian Garcia (Harris County Commissioner, Pct. 2)
• Ben Chou (Harris County Commissioner, Pct. 4)
• Ron Reynolds (Texas House, Dist. 27)
• Alma Allen (Texas House, Dist. 131)
• Jon Rosenthal (Texas House, Dist. 135)
• Jason Luong (District Judge, 185th Judicial Dist.)
• Steve Duble (Harris County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, Pl. 2)
• Melissa Saenz (Bexar County Court #2)
• Andrea Arevalos (Bexar County Court #5)
• Melanie Lira (Bexar County Court #7)

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Texas Organizing Project PAC runs the largest, independent Get-out-the-Vote political field programs in Texas, focusing on expanding the electorate of color, with an emphasis on turning out Black and Latino voters. To date, TOP PAC has mobilized hundreds of thousands of voters across the state with the aim of building a reflective democracy–one that looks like us and shares our values.

This statement was sent out March 2, 2022.

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in reaction to news yesterday that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will soon retire:

“We applaud Justice Breyer’s decision to retire after dutifully serving on our nation’s highest court for nearly 30 years. President Biden must now follow through on his campaign pledge to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court. 

“With no shortage of highly-qualified and principled women to choose from, this nominee must recognize the urgency of the moment to protect our democracy as well as the fundamental rights of all who call this country home.

“We expect nothing less than a swift and professional confirmation process from Majority Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats. Failure is not an option. It is far past time that a Black woman be seated behind the Supreme Court dais.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out January 27, 2022.

Cisneros has proven herself a fighter for Black and Latino Texans

Texas Organizing Project (TOP) PAC is proud to announce the endorsement of Jessica Cisneros in Texas Congressional District 28. A product of South Texas, Cisneros is a fierce believer in the power of community, and as an immigration and human rights attorney, she has shown her commitment to fighting for and improving outcomes for working-class families like her own. 

Her campaign is rooted in progressive values ― the belief that all who call this country home should have access to quality health care, good-paying jobs, decent affordable housing, thriving schools, a clean environment, and economic opportunity. She understands the drivers of injustice in our nation, and is equipped with the knowledge and conviction to deliver meaningful change in CD-28.

“Electing Jessica is about making clear that our communities deserve better, that we deserve forward-thinking leadership that centers working-class Black and Latino Texans who historically have had their needs neglected by lawmakers across our state,” said Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of TOP. “Jessica is the candidate in this race who will exhibit this leadership and proudly advocate for her constituents – not for big corporations and special interests.”

Cisneros is challenging Congressman Henry Cuellar, a politician who has raked in donations from corporate PACs, private detention facilities, and the NRA since he took office in 2005. On Wednesday, the FBI conducted a court-authorized search of Cuellar’s Laredo home.

“It’s time CD-28 had a real fighter for the people representing it, not a power-hungry politician who upholds the status quo,” said Dr. Doshie Piper, a TOP board member in San Antonio. “Henry Cuellar doesn’t stand for progress, he stands for more of the same. Jessica Cisneros is a leader who will listen to and be a bold champion for our underserved communities, and TOP is proud to support her.”

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Texas Organizing Project PAC runs the largest, independent Get-out-the-Vote political field programs in Texas, focusing on expanding the electorate of color, with an emphasis on turning out Black and Latino voters. To date, TOP PAC has mobilized hundreds of thousands of voters across the state with the aim of building a reflective democracy–one that looks like us and shares our values.

This press release was sent out January 21, 2022.

The following statement is from Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year:

“Today, we echo the piercing and principled words of the King family, “No celebration without legislation.”

“Honoring the legacy of Dr. King means enshrining the expansion of voting rights he and other civil rights leaders so courageously championed and put their lives on the line for.

“At a time when access to the ballot box, a cornerstone of our nation’s democracy, is being systematically attacked by right-wing politicians, the need for our Democratic-controlled Senate to bypass the archaic filibuster to codify voting rights protections has never been greater. 

“Surrender from Senate Democrats on this issue would be a slap in the face to the millions of Black and Latino voters across the country whose rights are being threatened, as well as an insult to the memory of Dr. King himself.”

TOP board member Ray Brackens of Houston added:

“Throughout the day today, our social media feeds will be flooded with quotes from the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – a share disgustingly coming from the same Republican leaders who support and have passed discriminatory voting restrictions. 

“Just as we are sick and tired of these officials whitewashing the words of a justice-fighting icon, we are fed up with congressional inaction on comprehensive voting rights legislation.

“Each day that passes that Senators Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema prioritize preserving old legislative procedure over protecting the fundamental right to vote is a win for far-right extremists and a slight to what Dr. King selflessly fought for.

“Enough with the stalling and lip service. Democrats must deliver on voting rights now by passing the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out January 17, 2022.

With one week until Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s deadline to pass filibuster reform for voting rights, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Co-Executive Director Michelle Tremillo released the following statement: 

“Senate Democrats next week have the power and responsibility to protect voting rights – to counter voting restrictions shamelessly put in place by right-wing politicians across the country to dilute the electoral strength of Black and Latino voters. Millions of Americans are counting on Senate Majority Leader Schumer and his caucus to deliver a meaningful breakthrough in the fight to preserve our fundamental right to vote. 

“Last year, Texas House Democrats righteously used parliamentary procedures to their advantage to prevent Governor Abbott’s voter suppression bill from becoming law – even travelling to Washington to urge Congress to take action – but their efforts were not enough to stop the discriminatory legislation from being enacted. It is now up to our federal leaders to step up and prevent further erosion of access to the ballot box.

“It is critical Senate Democrats stick to the January 17 deadline that the Senate Majority Leader has set. As we have seen in Texas and across the country, as more and more restrictions are placed on who can vote and how, time is running out. We need strong protections for voting rights, and we need them now. No more delays.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out January 10, 2022.

The following statement is from Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to the one-year mark of white supremacist supporters of former President Trump storming the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to subvert the results of a national election:

“A year ago today, millions across the world watched in disbelief as a deadly insurrection transpired on the grounds and in the halls of our nation’s Capitol.

“No matter how much Republicans try to downplay what took place, the facts are indisputable: former President Donald Trump on January 6 of last year incited a white nationalist attack on Congress as he and his allies sought to reverse the will of voters and dismantle democracy itself in our country.

“Unless all involved in this attempted far-right overthrow of our government are held accountable for their heinous acts, this will undoubtedly happen again. The need for House and Senate Democrats to enshrine voting rights and prevent the sabotaging of our democratic processes has never been greater. Free and fair elections in our country will cease as we know it if no legislation is passed protecting them.”

Tearyne Almendariz, a TOP board member, added:

“For weeks after the 2020 general election, Trump and his enablers peddled racist lies scapegoating Black and Latino voters, spreading completely unfounded claims of voter fraud in communities of color, laying the groundwork for this direct assault.

“It is disgusting, though in no way surprising, to see right-wing media and politicians minimize the sinister display of white supremacy we witnessed.

“The mounting evidence of preparation and coordination of this attack only underscores the urgency for our elected leaders in Washington to do everything in their power to stop this demagoguery from silencing the voices and threatening the lives of people of color across the country. This includes passing the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in full without any further delay.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out January 6, 2022.