The Texas Organizing Project (TOP) again grew the electorate in Black and Latino communities across Texas, helping elect progressive candidates whose viability was questioned, proving that the Texas electorate wants bold elected officials who champion authentically progressive policies to make our state equitable, just and fair.
TOP leveraged the Democratic primary runoff to make progress toward creating a Texas for all that has fully-funded schools, affordable healthcare and housing for our families, dignity and safety for immigrants, and a legal justice system that keeps communities of color safe without preying on them.
Through early voting, TOP made more than 25,000 voter attempts on phones and sent out more than 25,000 texts for this primary runoff, in Harris, Dallas and Bexar counties, and ran a robust digital program in Travis County.
Dallas County
Proof that every vote counts, TOP members helped underdog Jasmine Crockett take a 92-vote lead in the Texas House District 100 race against a well-backed incumbent. Crockett, a civil rights attorney, earned our endorsement through her relentless advocacy and working with TOP leaders to transform our justice system, as well as her strong policy agenda that is focused on addressing the needs of Black and Latino Texans in this critical moment.
TOP also helped Audra Riley win her runoff to become the judge-elect for Criminal District Court No. 3 since no Republican filed to run for the seat. Riley won our support because of her commitment to decriminalizing poverty and lowering the jail population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harris County
In Harris County, TOP members invested heavily through sweat equity to get Penny Morales Shaw a victory in the runoff for House District 148 over an incumbent. TOP has a long history with Morales Shaw, and looks forward to getting her to the Texas House and helping her push a bold, progressive agenda to take on climate change, equality, healthcare and education.
TOP also helped Te’iva Bell win her runoff for the 339th Criminal District Court. Bell won our endorsement with her track record of fighting to end mass incarceration and bringing racial justice to the courts.
Bexar County
TOP-endorsed Rebeca Clay-Flores defeated incumbent Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez for Bexar County Commissioner, Precinct 1. TOP supported Clay-Flores because of her commitment to take action to prevent families from being evicted from their homes and to end mass incarceration through bail reform and breaking the school to prison pipeline. TOP also helped Roland Gutierrez secure a seat in the Texas Senate because of his dedication to fully funding schools, addressing the gap in uninsured families and promoting clean air policies.
Travis County
For the first time in our history, TOP endorsed a candidate in Travis County, Jose Garza, whose vision of decarceration and restorative justice paved the way to a substantial victory over incumbent Margaret Moore. Garza, formerly the executive director of the Workers Defense Project, will be a champion for the people of Travis County as a district attorney.
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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 press release was sent out July 15, 2020.