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TOP: “Paxton is a power-hungry white nationalist grifter who will say and do anything to avoid accountability”

March 26, 2024

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Co-Executive Director, in response to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton reaching a deal with special prosecutors to avoid going to trial for securities fraud after nine years:

“This sham deal shows us clear as day how there exists two ‘justice’ systems in this country; one for the wealthy and well-connected, and one for every one else.

“It also doesn’t change the fact that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is our state’s most corrupt elected official in modern times.

“Just like his insurrectionist idol, Donald J. Trump, Paxton is a power-hungry white nationalist grifter who will say and do anything to avoid accountability. After all, he not only attended, but spoke at Trump’s infamous Stop The Steal rally on January 6.

“For years, Paxton has weaponized our state’s attorney general’s office to infringe on people’s constitutional rights – from access to the ballot box, to abortion, to seeking asylum, and more.

“You’d be hard-pressed to find a corrupt politician in Texas who is more deserving of being removed from office for their years of attacking our communities, restricting our freedoms, and destabilizing our democracy.

“Part of BlackTOP’s historic effort to reach out to 1.4 million Black Texans in the 2022 midterm included attempting to serve Paxton a “People’s Subpoena” at a political fundraiser hosted by one of his right-wing mega-donors in Colleyville.

“A darling of the far-right, Paxton has elevated himself politically at the expense of the well-being of Black and Latino Texans, illustrating time and time again how he is dangerous for our families, dangerous for our state, and dangerous for our country.

“No matter age, race, economic status, or political leanings, ALL Texans deserve honest elected officials who lead with integrity, not status-seeking, immoral politicians who only look out for themselves.”

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About Texas Organizing Project:

TOP 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.

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With SCOTUS’ Latest SB4 Decision, TOP Calls on Elected Officials to Uphold Dignity & Rights of All, Regardless of Immigration Status

March 19, 2024

TOP Calls On Elected Officials to Reject Discriminatory Policies

Today the Supreme Court narrowly ruled in a 5–4 decision to allow the enforcement of SB4, the state’s new law targeting migrant communities. Texas Organizing Project (TOP) vehemently condemns the ruling as a direct attack on communities of color and a flagrant disregard for federal authority over immigration laws. TOP Co-Executive Director Michelle Tremillo and TOP Immigration Lead Organizer Damaris Gonzalez issued the following statements:

Michelle Tremillo shared, “This jeopardizing of human lives must stop. Today’s reckless Supreme Court ruling emboldens racial profiling, attacks personal freedoms, and directly threatens the wellbeing of our state’s immigrant families. As TOP has made clear before, SB4 is white supremacy in action. This disgusting law was only designed to sow division and fear in Texas communities, not enhance public safety. TOP continues our fight for justice and the rights of ALL people across Texas.”

Damaris Gonzalez added, “It cannot be overstated how this gutless move from the Supreme Court further codifies discrimination and endangers lives in our state. This is the future that today’s increasingly white nationalist Texas GOP wants. We’re not cowering in the face of their extremism, though. TOP and our strategic statement partners remain dead set on utilizing every organizing and legal tool at our disposal to combat and put a stop to SB4. TOP also urges local elected and law enforcement officials to reject implementation of this racist law, while ensuring that the fundamental rights of EVERY Texan is protected — no matter our race, preferred language, or nation of origin.”

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About Texas Organizing Project:

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TOP: “Gov. Abbott’s SB4 is white supremacy in action, and it must never be implemented”

March 18, 2024

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Co-Executive Director, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court placing an indefinite stay on SB4, the state’s new law targeting migrant communities, continuing to block it from going into effect:

“Gov. Abbott’s SB4 is white supremacy in action, and it must never be implemented.

“SB4 has never been about public safety; it has always been about Abbott and his GOP enablers pandering to far-right extremists by weaponizing local law enforcement to target and sow fear in our state’s migrant communities.

“Earlier this month, twice-impeached former president Donald Trump called Abbott ‘a spectacular man,’ and said he’s ‘absolutely’ on his vice president short list.

“Anyone on the VP shortlist of a racist insurrectionist like Trump is NOT someone who should be representing the Lone Star State, full stop.

Damaris Gonzalez, TOP Statewide Immigration Lead Organizer, added:

“Our efforts to organize against this horrific law are only boosted by today’s Supreme Court action.

“No matter how much the Texas GOP tries to instill fear in immigrant communities, we will not back down from our fight against this racist law.

“TOP remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that the fundamental rights of every person residing in Texas are protected – regardless of race, income, immigration status, or preferred language.”

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About Texas Organizing Project:

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TOP PAC continues to move the needle of progressive political power in Texas, fighting off right-wing hate and disinformation

March 6, 2024

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), reflecting on TOP PAC’s efforts in the 2024 Texas Democratic Primary:

“TOP PAC launched an intensive candidate screening process at the end of 2023 with the goal of endorsing primary candidates who are unwavering in their commitment to enshrining our rights, protecting our freedoms, and fighting far-right MAGA extremism ― all while transforming our state into a place where Black and Latino Texans can thrive. The result was a slate of 13 endorsed leaders ready to champion progressive policies that will benefit ALL communities across our state.

“These past four weeks, TOP PAC’s get-out-the-vote campaign knocked on 128,567 doors in Bexar, Dallas, and Harris counties, informing working Texans not only about our endorsed candidates, but about issues that affect their daily lives ― ranging from housing and healthcare, to immigration reform, legal system reform, and public education. A coalition consisting of TOP PAC, Working Families Party, Working People’s PAC (Gulf Coast AFL-CIO), Unemployed Workers United, and Texas Justice & Public Safety PAC collectively knocked on more than 160,000 doors in Harris County over the course of the primary.

“TOP PAC’s comprehensive voter engagement work is critical in connecting everyday issues to the ballot box and, ultimately, the officeholders who we elect and work to hold accountable. We saw this in real-time Tuesday, as TOP PAC’s GOTV program helped unseat Harris County DA Kim Ogg, an incumbent who strayed from implementing reforms, and who was using her elected office to launch political attacks on county officials.

“This on-the-ground consistent voter engagement work is such an important part of our mission to create a true Texas that reflects our values and uplifts each and every person ― regardless of age, race, gender, income, or faith.

Dr. Doshie Piper, TOP Board President, added:

“We understand that there is no way to establish progressive power in our state — to actually create a Texas that works for everyone — without meaningful and consistent voter engagement in Black and Latino neighborhoods.

“Each and every election cycle, TOP PAC works to expand and strengthen the progressive infrastructure in our communities, which allows us to connect with these voters and mobilize them around issues that matter deeply to them. This is how we change the political landscape in our state and put more power into the hands of Black and Latino Texans. This is how we win the change all Texans deserve.”

TOP PAC congratulates the following endorsed candidates in advancing or winning their Democratic primary races:

Harris County

Sean Teare for Harris County District Attorney (Win)
Christian Menefee for Harris County Attorney (Win)
Sheila Jackson Lee for Congress, TX-18 (Win)
Molly Cook for Texas Senate, Dist. 15 (Runoff)
Lauren Ashley Simmons for Texas State Representative, Dist. 146 (Runoff)

Bexar County

Kristian Carranza for Texas State Representative, Dist. 118 (Win)
Rebeca Clay-Flores for Bexar County Commissioner, Pct. 1 (Runoff)

Dallas County

Cassandra Hernandez for Texas State Representative, Dist. 115 (Win)

Travis County

José Garza for Travis County District Attorney (Win)

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About Texas Organizing Project (TOP) PAC:
TOP 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. Learn more at toppac.org.

This press release was sent out March 6, 2024.

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TOP PAC Powers Harris County DA Candidate Sean Teare to Victory in Democratic Primary

March 5, 2024

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to TOP PAC’s efforts to help Sean Teare defeat incumbent Harris County DA Kim Ogg in the 2024 Texas Democratic Primary:

“Tonight, Sean Teare’s win in the Democratic primary for Harris County District Attorney is a huge victory, and a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to reimagine our legal system, one district attorney at a time. Teare’s win also underscores that progressive legal reform policies are popular, and respect the dignity and advance the prosperity of all Harris County residents – regardless of race, class, or gender, or ZIP Code. Through our comprehensive get-out-the-vote (GOTV) program, TOP knocked on more than 94,000 doors across Harris County, informing voters of Sean Teare and the impacts that this electoral race has on everyday working families.”

Brown continued, “TOP’s overall commitment to electing reform-minded district attorneys is driven by an understanding of the pivotal role they play in our legal system — from making charging decisions to setting bail recommendations, and from prosecuting cases to recommending sentences. The power district attorneys hold can either perpetuate a cycle of incarceration, or pivot toward a more restorative, equitable legal framework that truly serves the community.”

Laquita Garcia, TOP’s Right2Justice Policy Coordinator, echoed TOP’s strategy and the importance of accountability post-election:

“With Sean Teare’s advancing, TOP has once again proved the thesis of our two-pronged strategy to transform Texas: mobilizing people power and wielding political power. By focusing our large-scale get-out-the-vote programs on increasing the participation of Black and Latino voters, we’re not just electing individuals; we’re ensuring that the voices of those most affected by the legal system are heard loud and clear.”

Garcia continued “Our work, however, doesn’t stop here. The real work begins the day after the election in November. We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding elected DAs accountable, ensuring that they stay true to their promises of reform and justice for all communities. This victory is a step forward in our broader mission to dismantle systemic barriers and forge a path toward a more just and equitable society.”

TOP will continue to fight for equitable justice reforms that prioritize the safety and dignity of all residents, demonstrating the power of community-led advocacy in shaping a more inclusive and just society.

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About Texas Organizing Project (TOP) PAC:

TOP 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. Learn more at toppac.org.

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Statement from Texas Organizing Project on Shane James

December 6, 2023

“Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is profoundly saddened and deeply troubled by the recent tragic events involving Shane James. We condemn his most recent egregious acts, full stop. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.

Through our justice program, we bailed out James in coordination with the Bexar County’s public defender’s office, nearly two years ago in February 2022 on misdemeanor charges where his bond fees totaled $300. The events that have unfolded are devastating, and we recognize the pain and suffering this incident has caused. We take our responsibilities seriously and acknowledge that we must address both the immediate impact of this tragedy and the broader implications for our bail program.

TOP was founded with a commitment to transforming Texas into a state that works for everyone. A piece of our work is reforming the criminal justice system, advocating for fairness, and providing support to those who have often been marginalized and underserved. We firmly believe in the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and our mission is to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to address their legal challenges while awaiting trial in a just and equitable manner.

We want to make clear that TOP has a thorough and rigorous screening process in place to assess individuals who are eligible for our bail program, with a focus on assisting with misdemeanor offenses. James was deemed eligible based on our criteria at the time. However, TOP has had no interaction with James since March 2022. We acknowledge that our assessments cannot anticipate the future actions of individuals. We are committed to conducting a comprehensive internal review of our program and processes.

We understand that some may try to use this tragedy to criticize bail programs, even for misdemeanors. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission, advocating for the rights and representation of all Texans.

Additionally, we are acutely aware of the urgent need to address gun violence as an endemic issue in Texas and across the United States. We can’t ignore the larger context in which incidents like these occur. Our commitment to transforming our state and nation’s criminal justice system includes advocating for sensible gun control measures and community safety initiatives that can help prevent tragedies.”

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About Texas Organizing Project:

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TOP: “By embracing Trump, Gov. Abbott is embracing white nationalism”

November 20, 2023

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Co-Executive Director, condemning Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s endorsement of Donald Trump for U.S. president in 2024:

“Leave it to the “Donald Trump of Texas” to endorse the coup-plotting, twice-impeached racist who’s racked up over 90 felony counts in four criminal cases.

“By embracing Trump, Gov. Abbott is embracing white nationalism, full stop.

“Texans of every race, age, gender, and faith deserve leadership and an inclusive, forward-thinking vision coming from the Governor’s Mansion, not the codification of hate and lies. You don’t have to look further than right here in our state to see the implementation of this destructive agenda, as Abbott is on the verge of signing into law SB4 — the most egregious anti-immigrant legislation our state has seen.”

“TOP will not hesitate to call out ANY public official who supports Trump and the corruption, incompetence, and cruelty that MAGA represents. Just as in 2016 and 2020, TOP PAC will engage with and mobilize Texans en masse in our physical and digital streets in 2024 to ensure the book on this authoritarian-in-the-making stays closed.”

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About Texas Organizing Project:

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TOP PAC moves progressive power forward in Houston municipal election

November 8, 2023

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to the group’s success in Houston’s municipal elections:

“Houston voters made clear Tuesday they are hungry for effective progressive leadership at City Hall. We see evidence of this in the decisive re-election win of former TOP organizer and current District B progressive champion Tarsha Jackson, as well as the strong electoral showings of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Dr. Letitia Plummer — all Black progressive women eager to continue to serve the people of Houston.

“Over the span of 10 weeks, TOP PAC’s voter engagement program under our BlackTOP banner made more than 69,000 door knocks across Houston — reaching out to predominantly Black households that for too long have been ignored by traditional political campaigns. BlackTOP was built on the premise that the future of Texas rests in organizing Black folks across the state and getting US to the polls.

“We know the only path to progressive power in our cities and state is through real engagement with Black communities. Texas is home to the greatest number of Black Americans in the U.S., with Harris County — the largest county in Texas and third-largest county in the nation — having the second-largest Black population of all counties.

“Coupled with a targeted Latino voter outreach strategy this election, and by leading with issues that directly impact our everyday lives and taking no community member for granted, TOP PAC is building progressive power on the ground in our neighborhoods to move ALL Houstonians forward — regardless of race, age, gender, or where they call home.”

Dr. Doshie Piper, TOP board president, added: “As voters and community members, WE have the power to elect leaders committed to progress and a future where every Texan can thrive. The candidates we vote for at the local level shape our everyday lives and those of our families.

“Understanding how much is on the line for Houstonians this election — on every issue from housing affordability, to healthcare access, to legal reform, migrants’ rights, voting rights, environmental rights, and more — TOP PAC is on the streets of working Black and Latino neighborhoods pushing for the political and policy shifts our communities deserve.

“We are ecstatic about Tarsha Jackson’s dominating victory and Houston’s Proposition B passing. We now look forward to continuing to champion Sheila Jackson Lee and Dr. Letitia Plummer in their respective runoffs.”

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About Texas Organizing Project (TOP) PAC:

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TOP reflects on and celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 9, 2023

The following is a statement from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), on the organization recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year:

“Today, TOP joins in lifting up the past, present, and futures of Indigenous peoples in not just the United States, but around the world.

“As an organization committed to ending systemic oppression in our country as a result of racial capitalism, TOP recognizes the land we inhabit is fraught with violent stories of Indigenous suffering and resistance against the genocidal tool of colonization.

“Injustices faced by Indigenous communities, both then and now, are a stark reminder of the institutional racism embedded in the U.S. – stemming from instruments of white supremacy, from chattel slavery to our current carceral system.

“TOP now practices land acknowledgments in our work because the land reflects the struggles, the strength, and the stories of the people that continue to shape it. As TOP transforms and unequivocally shifts toward becoming a pro-Black organization, we understand racial justice intersects with the fight for Indigenous rights, immigrants’ rights, and economic justice.

“Through building power across BIPOC communities, we are collectively lifting each other up, learning from our mutual experiences, and fighting for liberation of us all – no matter the color of our skin, the language we speak, or where we call home.”

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Paxton Impeachment Trial: TOP Condemns Cowardly Acquittal

September 16, 2023

A Failure of Democracy, Far-Right Extremism is Emboldened, & A Win For Voter Suppression

Today’s sham acquittal of Ken Paxton is an affront to the rule of law and a betrayal of every democratic principle we hold dear. Paxton has proven himself unfit for office, throughout his tenure he used his role to service wealthy donors and a far-right extremist agenda. A Trump and MAGA acolyte, who participated at the January 6th rally ahead of the insurrection at the Capitol and wasted at least $45,000 of taxpayer dollars trying to overturn the 2020 election, Paxton is still also under indictment for securities fraud which has been an ongoing investigation since 2015.

The following is a joint statement from Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Co-Executive Directors Brianna Brown and Michelle Tremillo, on Paxton not being convicted on any of the 16 articles of impeachment:

Michelle Tremillo stated, “From Trump, to Clarence Thomas, and now Paxton, we are witnessing a grand display of the normalization of corruption and far-right extremism. This must stop.”

Brianna Brown added, “Paxton isn’t just a singular corrupt individual; he’s part of a larger corrupt ecosystem that has compromised healthcare for millions, endangered the basic rights of millions, and eroded the very foundations of democracy. We’re sick of Texas being the GOP’s lab for anti-democratic policies while their party leaders erase decades of progress.”

With this trial outcome, TOP calls on the Texas State Bar to revoke Ken Paxton’s license to practice law. While the Attorney General of Texas does not need to be a licensed attorney, the revocation of his license would force Paxton to delegate critical responsibilities, further highlighting his unfitness for office.

Additionally, because of this acquittal verdict, we’re forced to place our hope in federal institutions to do what our state elected officials lacked the courage to do in rooting out political corruption. The FBI’s ongoing investigation into Paxton is a small beacon of hope that justice may yet prevail.

This acquittal is also a wake-up call. TOP will continue to do what we do best: organize and mobilize Black and Latino communities across Texas. Come November 2026, we’ll defeat Paxton at the ballot box, if he isn’t already found guilty in his securities fraud trial, of course. We demand better, and we will continue the fight to elect officials who represent the democratic principles and human decency that Texas and the U.S. deserve.

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About Texas Organizing Project

Texas Organizing Project (TOP) 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.

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