The following statement is from Michelle Tremillo, Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to the group’s success in San Antonio’s municipal runoff elections:
“Last night, San Antonio voters made clear they are hungry for change at City Hall. We are thrilled to see Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Teri Castillo, progressive champions for their respective districts, claim victory, and TOP is proud to have helped power their campaigns to decisive runoff wins.
“Over the span of four weeks, our voter engagement program made more than 31,000 door knocks, made over 15,000 phone calls, and sent nearly 55,000 text messages to voters in City Council Districts 2 and 5 for the runoffs, helping set the stage for last night’s results.
“By leading with issues that directly impact our everyday lives and taking no community member for granted, we are building progressive power on the ground in our neighborhoods to move San Antonio forward.”
Kevin La Melle, a TOP member who lives in District 2, said:
“We are overjoyed to see Jalen McKee-Rodriguez win big. TOP congratulates him on his strong runoff performance and commends him on his people-powered, barrier-breaking campaign, as he will now be the first openly gay man to serve on San Antonio’s City Council. As a District 2 resident, I look forward to seeing him advance policy solutions that will revitalize our neighborhoods and help us fully recover from this pandemic.”
Jesus Vidales, a TOP member and longtime District 5 resident, stated:
“A voice for her community for years, TOP congratulates Teri Castillo on her hard-fought runoff win. Not only does she have the policy knowledge to improve the quality of life in our communities, she’s a listener who shares our values and understands the importance of organizing. Teri has the makings of a great public servant, and TOP is excited to work alongside her to make sure the voices of working families in District 5 are heard loud and clear at City Hall.”
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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 June 6, 2021.