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TOP Endorses Kamala Harris for President: A Bold Step Toward Achieving A Reflective Democracy

August 15, 2024

Today, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is proud to announce our endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. As an organization committed to championing Black and Latino communities across Texas, this endorsement marks a pivotal moment in our mission to ensure that communities of color not only have a seat at the table but also the power to drive meaningful change in our state.

“For over 240 years, the United States has struggled to fulfill its promise of a democracy that serves all its people. In all that time, we’ve only elected one Black president and one Black woman vice president,” said Brianna Brown, TOP Co-Executive Director. “The threat to democracy posed by Trump and his MAGA agenda movement, fueled by white supremacy, is undeniable and as dangerous as ever. Kamala Harris is a qualified, proven leader committed to our values who will protect and continue the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve.”

Maria Victoria De La Cruz, TOP Board Co-President, added, “This endorsement is grounded in ensuring that our communities — Black, Latino, and working-class Texans — have a voice and means to shape a democracy that looks like us and reflects our values. TOP’s members know what’s at stake: a government that works for the powerful few, or a future where we all have the opportunity to thrive. Kamala Harris has stood with our communities, and we’re ready to stand with her to fight for a state and country where justice and equity can be fully realized for every person – regardless of race, age, gender, or income.”

During the 2022 election cycle, TOP reached over 1.4 million Black voters, and this cycle, we’re doubling down to turn out Black and Latino Texans across the state. Our work is far from done, and this endorsement is just the beginning.

Signed in solidarity:

Brianna Brown, TOP Co-Executive Director

Michelle Tremillo, TOP Co-Executive Director

Dr. Doshie Piper, TOP Board Co-President

Maria Victoria De La Cruz, TOP Board Co-President

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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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TOP: “Gov. Abbott politically scapegoats immigrants to distract from his policy failures”

August 9, 2024

The following statement is from Damaris Gonzalez, TOP Statewide Immigration Lead Organizer, in response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issuing an executive order instructing hospitals to collect data on patients’ immigration status:

“Gov. Abbott politically scapegoats immigrants to distract from his policy failures.

“Separating and dehumanizing members of our communities – people who are our family, friends, and neighbors – is straight out of the MAGA playbook.

“As his idol Donald Trump flails in the polls, struggling to connect with his racist, backwards vision for our country, Gov. Abbott is more than ready to demonize fellow Texans, because just like Trump he views Black and Brown immigrants as lesser than.

“Hospitals should serve peoples’ health needs, not operate as intrusive immigration checkpoints.”

Irie Howard, TOP Statewide Healthcare Lead Organizer, added:

“Healthcare is a human right. Each and every person in our state deserves to have that right upheld.

“If Greg Abbott honestly cared about saving our state money while improving the health of Texans, he would have expanded our Medicaid program in 2015, his first year as governor.

“This reckless executive order will put the health of everyday Texans’ at risk, as it’s intended to stoke fear and uncertainty in the more than 1.5 million undocumented immigrants who call this state home.

“As Texans, we care for each other and look out for each other – no matter the color of our skin, the language we speak, or our documentation status. We are NOT letting our governor divide us.”

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TOP: “Implementing Trump-like anti-immigrant policies is unacceptable and a step backward for this administration”

June 4, 2024

The following statement is from Damaris Gonzalez, Statewide Immigration Lead Organizer of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to President Joe Biden announcing sweeping asylum restrictions through executive order:

“Playing politics with the lives of people seeking asylum is despicable and must never be normalized. No matter the color of your skin, the language you speak, or how much money you have to your name, seeking asylum is a fundamental human right.

“President Biden’s move to restrict asylum along our southern border not only violates international law, it endangers the lives of thousands of families in need of aid.

“Implementing Trump-like anti-immigrant policies is unacceptable and a step backward for this administration. Any executive order should focus on enacting bold humanitarian solutions to ease tension along our southern border, not on adopting harmful, exclusionary policies.

“TOP is proud to work with immigration justice allies in welcoming people seeking refuge in our communities and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive. We do so while continuing to push for the common-sense, dignified immigration system that our country so desperately needs. Congress must act now to pass comprehensive immigration reform and permanent relief for DACA recipients, providing safety, stability, and security to millions of immigrants who call this country home.”

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About Texas Organizing Project (TOP)

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TOP PAC congratulates endorsed progressive candidates on hard-fought primary runoff wins

May 29, 2024

The following statement is from Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), commenting on TOP-endorsed candidate victories in Tuesday’s Texas Democratic primary runoff:

“Tuesday’s election results make clear once more that progressive values, policies, and leaders are the future of Texas.

“TOP is building this future each election cycle through year-round, issue-based organizing rooted in economic and racial justice that links what matters in the daily lives of Black and Latino Texans to the ballot box.

“Our members are proud to have endorsed Rebeca Clay-Flores (Bexar County Commissioner, Pct. 1), Molly Cook (Texas Senate, Dist. 15), Lauren Ashley Simmons (Texas State Representative, Dist. 146), as well as Annette Ramirez (Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector), and we congratulate them on their runoff wins Tuesday. This is what happens when a people-powered progressive agenda is coupled with vigorous on-the-ground voter engagement.

“This vision is needed now more than ever as we counter unprecedented right-wing attacks on our basic rights, while paving the road to the future where ALL Texans are represented fairly – regardless of our race, age, faith, gender, or economic status.”

Dr. Doshie Piper, TOP Board Co-President, added:

“The outcomes of these primary runoffs unequivocally show the expansion of progressive influence throughout our state, with Black and Latino Texas voters having their presence felt.

“The general election is fast approaching, and TOP PAC is fully prepared to utilize this progressive momentum to meaningfully connect with voters at their doorstep and further transform the political terrain of Texas.”

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Texas Organizing Project PAC runs the largest, independent get-out-the-vote political 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.

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BlackTOP statement on Gov. Abbott pardoning convicted murderer Daniel Perry

May 17, 2024

The following statement is from Terrance “TK” Koontz of BlackTOP, in response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pardoning Daniel Perry, a man convicted last year of murdering Garrett Foster at a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin in 2020:

“Yesterday, Gov. Greg Abbott pardoned a convicted murderer, seemingly because in Abbott’s eyes Black lives have little if any value.

“Our governor refuses to acknowledge the countless contributions that Black Texans have made and continue to make in spite of years of systemic oppression that our communities have endured. Black Texans have the right to demand humane treatment. Like countless politicians before him, his fear of acknowledging and taking accountability for the tragic history of anti-Black racism and racial capitalism in this state leads him to turn a blind eye when dehumanization is thrust upon Texans exercising their constitutional rights. These are Texans taking a stand against the brutalization of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement, and who voice their support for our collective liberation. This is how much Abbott dreads doing what’s morally right.

“Being fully aware of the growing white nationalist wing of today’s Republican Party and folding to its pressure, Abbott’s decision to overturn the conviction of Daniel Perry is a clear signal that Black lives still do not matter in Texas. Furthermore, neither do the lives of any individuals who choose to stand up and fight for justice.

“It should infuriate every Texan who wholeheartedly believes in justice and freedom that we have in the Governor’s Mansion, a supposed “leader” who is afraid to stand for what is right and just for all his constituents. Rather than showing compassion for the Black community and working to find solutions that would benefit all Texans for generations to come, he twists our state’s legal system to avoid addressing anti-Black racism and holding far-right extremists accountable.

“The good news is no weapon formed against us will prosper. Our voices will not be silenced and our movement will not relent. The millions of Black and Latino Texans who proudly reside in this state are certain to build the collective power required to create a future where ALL Texans can live free and thrive — regardless of our race, faith, gender, or background. THAT is the future BlackTOP is fighting for because we are stronger together!

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Garrett Foster as they continue to grieve and process the loss of their loved one, especially after this appalling act from our governor.”

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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. With offices in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, BlackTOP launched canvassing programs across multiple Texas counties to talk to, organize, and mobilize Black voters ahead of the 2022 election. For more information, visit blacktoptexas.org.

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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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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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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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