There’s one week left until the early voting starts for the November 5 general election, and there’s still lots of work to do to make sure that every Texan is informed and ready to vote! We’re doing our part to increase turnout, including expanding our voter navigation website, GoVoteTexas.org, to Texas’ top, vote-deciding languages now available in Vietnamese, Mandarin, Hindi, English, and Spanish!
Progress Texas has built the largest online community of progressives from across the state — Texans who share and stand up for bold progressive values. Together, we can build a statewide movement to fight for our future. That starts with electing progressives at every level of government. Yet, when most races do not get major media attention, we’re here to help put the spotlight on your neighbors who are standing up to serve your community.
Here’s a rundown of those who applied and passed muster on top issues like voting and civil rights, abortion and reproductive freedoms, pledging environmental protections, strengthening public education, gun safety, and more. But before you get started, be sure to search which candidates are running to represent you by state house and senate district (HD/SD), along with other statewide seats. We further encourage you to share important resources with your family, friends, and network on getting out the vote and supporting these candidates through November!
Plus, the Progress Texas team produced a special podcast episode reviewing our endorsements with some expanded conversations on select candidates, discussing their records, opponents, and policy points. Listen along here! As you read through our list of candidates with quick, shareable biographies, check out our corresponding list of endorsements to build your voting plan!
The following candidates are organized alphabetically by first name, and hyperlinked with their campaign websites.
President of the United States
Kamala Harris for President (Federal): “Progress Texas enthusiastically endorses Vice President Harris’ presidential campaign. She is the American our country needs now — to not only stop the nightmare coming with a Project 2025 agenda, but to realize the promises of our great nation, restore our abortion rights, expand our civil rights, grow the middle class, and fight each day for all Americans,” said Executive Director Kathleen Thompson. “Additionally, Progress Texas staff can’t wait to vote for the first woman to be POTUS!”
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Holly Taylor for Presiding Judge (Statewide): As a judicial candidate, Holly Taylor is prohibited from expressing her views on issues that could potentially come before the court to prevent bias. However, Progress Texas notes she has more than 25 years of criminal law experience, far more than her opponent. Taylor currently serves DA Garza and the people of Texas holding those accountable who abuse the public’s trust as the Director of the Public Integrity and Complex Crimes Division at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. We enthusiastically support Holly Taylor for the statewide office as the Presiding Judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and urge you to vote for new leadership to a court badly in need of first hand experience.
Texas Railroad Commission
Katherine Culbert for Railroad Commissioner (Statewide): Katherine Culbert would add much needed industry experience to the state’s regulatory agency overseeing oil and gas, the Texas Railroad Commission. The Democratic candidate seeking to unseat Republican Christi Craddick, currently works as a process safety engineer for an energy company in Houston. An experienced leader, Culbert understands the importance of oil and gas for the Texas economy, but strongly believes we’ve got to hold corporations accountable, enforce safety standards, and protect our environment. Culbert will be a progressive voice for an agency laden with leaders who have a vested interest in defending big oil and gas’ profits over the people.
Texas State Board of Education
George King for District 12 (North Dallas, Fairview): George King is a retiree with 40 years of service in public education, from classroom teacher to campus principal. When elected, his mission will center around liberating public education from political partisanship and ideology. Additionally, King will honor the diversity of our students, the disabled and oppressed, as well as create an inclusive culture on every campus.
Morgan Kirkpatrick for District 15 (Panhandle, San Angelo, Midland/Odessa): Morgan Kirkpatrick taught English and reading at a public middle school for 14 years. She is the proud recipient of the State of Texas’ Exemplary Teacher designation. Kirkpatrick is running to serve public school educators, students, and families by defending the lifeblood of her region’s economy – rural school districts. Her opponent doesn’t stand up for teachers, students, or local economies, and you shouldn’t stand with him!
Dr. Raquel Saenz Ortiz for District 10 (Austin, San Antonio, Houston): Dr. Raquel Saenz-Ortiz, a former social studies teacher, guidance counselor, school administrator, and current teacher-trainer, is passionate about ensuring that state standards and instructional materials center around critical thinking. She wants to promote diverse perspectives that are historically and scientifically accurate.
Rayna Glasser for District 11 (North Texas, Fort Worth): Rayna Glasser, a teacher for more than 17 years, is running for the SBOE to take care of our teachers so they can take care of our kids. She says this starts with setting realistic standards and a comprehensive curriculum that moves students forward while providing opportunities for students to close their learning gaps. Glasser is committed to keeping public funds in public schools, addressing the impacts of COVID, and allocating more state resources for educators and school classrooms.
For Texas Senate
State Senator Molly Cook, SD 15 (Houston): State Senator Cook is the newly-elected, first openly LGBTQ+ Texas Senator. She is an ER nurse, with ten years of experience, a community organizer, decision-maker, and communicator who will fight year-round for smart, compassionate policy to improve public safety and public health. As a woman who has had an abortion in this state, Senator Cook knows what is at stake for those who can become pregnant and will work to restore your reproductive freedoms.
Rachel Mello for SD 8 (Dallas-McKinney): Rachel Mello is a public school teacher, who just started her 17th year in the classroom. She currently teaches special education. Mello believes in the transformative power of education to break down barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive society. She is committed to championing the needs of our public schools, advocating for at-risk students, and will ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to thrive.
State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, SD 14 (Austin): State Senator Eckhardt is a trusted progressive leader with deep roots in Central Texas. She will protect public education, academic freedom, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, due process, and personal privacy. Her record includes accomplishments like curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in Central Texas, preserving more than 30,000 acres of green space, maintaining a vibrant construction economy while raising safety standards for workers, and instituting jail and arrest diversion programs that support justice and public safety.
For Texas House
Adrienne Bell for HD 29 (Pearland): Adrienne Bell is a public school teacher, mother, and grandmother. She understands firsthand the benefits of a high quality, public education and will work hard to defend that right for all Texans. Bell will work towards common sense policies that uplift our communities and be a strong advocate for families, our children, seniors, and veterans.
Rep. Ann Johnson, HD 134 (Houston): State Representative Johnson has successfully cut through the gridlock in Texas to pass legislation to provide life-saving abortion protections, address public safety, reform our criminal justice system, and increase access to mental health resources for our most vulnerable. She is a former chief human trafficking prosecutor, current teacher and small business owner, and criminal justice attorney. Rep. Johnson will continue to stand up for the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Averie Bishop for HD 112 (Dallas-Richardson): Averie Bishop, perhaps known best as a former Miss Texas, is the founder of a nonprofit that seeks to improve the quality of life in her mother’s home province in the Philippines. She’s an advocate for reproductive healthcare, safer, fully-funded schools, more inclusive institutions, and increased healthcare access. Bishop is a fantastic role model and hopes to inspire young women to lead and organize in their communities.
Brett Robinson for HD 130 (Houston-Cypress): Brett Robinson is running to restore reproductive freedom, especially in District 130, whose incumbent authored the Six Week Abortion Ban. While Texas now has a near-total abortion ban, Robinson cares deeply about his community and is passionate about public policy for its power to improve peoples’ day-to-day lives. Additionally, Robinson plans to focus on income inequality and gun safety.
Cassandra Hernandez for HD 115 (Dallas-Carrollton): Cassandra Hernandez is an immigration and civil attorney who, for more than a decade, has helped people navigate the court system. Further, she has been recognized for her community service work and spirit of volunteerism. As an experienced attorney, Hernandez has already held elected officials accountable during her tenure as an Ethics Commissioner at the City of Dallas.
Cathy McAuliffe for HD 32 (Corpus Christi): Cathy McAuliffe is a retired college professor who cares deeply about children and working families. She is not a politician, but decided to do more than serve as a precinct chair. She’s proud to be running against the Republican incumbent, who is a vocal supporter of Governor Abbott’s deadly and costly Operation Lonestar. As a product of public schools, she will defend public education and oppose the voucher scam.
Chase West for HD 132 (Houston-Katy): Chase West is a musician, philanthropist, and small business owner. Ever since January 6th, West recognized the need to stand up to bring communities back together. He shares a multitude of progressive ideas including reproductive freedom, universal healthcare, public school support, and funding climate change research.
Chuck Crews for HD 128 (Houston-Deer Park): Chuck Crews, a chemical engineer, book lover, and marathoner, is running to reset the priorities of the Texas Legislature and deliver high-quality basic services for all Texans. With more than a decade of experience in the petrochemical industry, he’s ready to clean up the Texas House. When oil and gas profits and pollution are rampant, we need someone with his knowledge to get the job done.
Darrel Evans for HD 89 (Dallas-McKinney, Plano): Darrel Evans, an advertising consultant, has worked in sales and operations in the marine, restaurant, and automotive spaces for over twenty years. His primary focuses are to properly fund public schools, increase access to affordable healthcare, and create good-paying jobs.
Denise Wilkerson for HD 94 (Arlington): Denise Wilkerson is a passionate advocate for public schools and has volunteered in leadership roles at her local PTA and booster club for more than 16 years. Additionally, with 30+ years of community involvement as an experienced legal advocate, Wilkerson is civically engaged, supports progressive values, and demonstrates compassion for the community.
Detrick DeBurr for HD 65 (North Dallas-Fort Worth): Detrick DeBurr is a software engineer, father, and grandfather of three. He served North Texas over the past 23 years in various capacities including as a planning and zoning commissioner. DeBurr’s priorities are funding public education and healthcare through the expansion of Medicaid in the state – millions of Texans stand to benefit.
Dwain Handley for HD 19 (Austin-Lakeway): Dwain Handley started to be more active in politics after the Sandy Hook Massacre, first becoming a precinct chair, then a grassroots organizer with the Wendy Davis campaign, and now running his first campaign for office. He aims to build a new model for Democrats running in red districts and believes the preservation of democracy is vital. Additionally, as a gay man, LGBTQ+ equality is personal to him.
Fred Medina for HD 14 (College Station: Fred Medina, a lifelong resident of Brazos County, graduated from Texas A&M University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He is a military veteran and a former union steward for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Medina’s pro-labor platform prioritizes fair wages, workplace safety, and collective bargaining, and he believes legislation should focus on the dignity of working families.
Jennie Birkholz for HD 52 (Austin-Round Rock): Jennie Birkholz is a nationally recognized healthcare expert and has developed innovative frameworks for behavioral health and opioid addiction care that helped create school based integrated care clinics. She has served the White House as a thought partner surrounding behavioral health and the opioid crisis twice. Birkholz currently serves as the President of Access Education at Round Rock ISD, and she is known locally to champion school board battles.
Rep. John Bucy III, HD 136 (Austin): State Representative Bucy is regularly ranked as one of the most progressive voices in the Texas House. As a legislator, he has led the fight on Medicaid expansion and increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare. Despite Republican efforts, he is working to protect and expand the freedom to vote. Additionally, Rep. Bucy works to create jobs and economic opportunity in the local communities he represents.
Kristen Washington for HD 2 (Dallas-Greenville): Kristen Washington is running to bring a new voice and perspective to our state legislature. As the first African American Democrat aiming to represent Hunt, Hopkins, and Van Zandt counties, she is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment and community service. Washington is a current City Councillor in Greenville, and she has a background that spans from ministry, retail, and healthcare to workforce development.
Laurel Jordan Swift for HD 121 (San Antonio): Laurel Jordan Swift has worked in healthcare for 20 years, and as a caretaker for her ailing parents and brother who suffers from a mental illness, she understands compassionate care. She’s always up to block walk and host meet and greets for other candidates, but this time she’s the woman ready to get things done. Swift believes the best investment we can make for our future is to invest in our schools and our kids.
Former Rep. Michelle Beckley for HD 63 (Dallas-Flower Mound): As a former State Representative, Michelle Beckley is bringing her knowledge back to Austin. She vows to protect small businesses, ensure election integrity and advocate for balanced economic and environmental policies. In past legislative sessions, Rep. Beckley served as a member of the Elections and House Business committees.
Rep. Rafael Anchía, HD 103 (Dallas County): State Representative Anchía is the son of immigrants whose parents’ pursuit of higher education and engagement in their community instilled the importance of public service. He demonstrated this by being elected twice to Dallas ISDs Board of Trustees. Additionally, he has served as Chair of the International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee (IRED), the Pension, Investments, and Financial Services Committee (PIFS), and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC), the oldest and largest Latino caucus in the nation. Rep. Anchía is a proven progressive fighter.
Sally Duval for HD 73 (Central Texas- Dripping Springs): Sally Duval is a political outsider who decided to run for office because there’s too much at stake in this election to let any Republican run unopposed. She’s working to restore abortion rights, save public education, fight climate change, legalize the recreational use of cannabis, raise the minimum wage, and do anything else that will make life better for working people and their families. Duval is a progressive running against a Project 2025-like incumbent.
Scott Bryan White for HD 98 (Dallas-Fort Worth-Southlake): Scott Bryan White is a 5th generation Texan and retiree from the information technology sector. He is a Texas public school supporter, who promises to fight for common-sense legislation focusing on funding public schools, economic growth, safer communities, and respect for individual rights and liberties.
Rep. Sheryl Cole, HD 46 (Austin): State Representative Cole currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Administration Committee and on the Higher Education and Business & Industry committees. Additionally, she serves as a member of the House Democratic Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the Texas Energy and Climate Caucus, the LGBTQ Caucus, and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, where she earned Freshman of the Year in her first session. Rep. Cole is a champion for civil rights and greater economic opportunity for all.
Former Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. for HD 34 (Corpus Christi): As a former State Representative, Solomon Ortiz worked to do what is best for Nueces County. Now resourced with ample experience on how the legislature and state government works, he will improve education and women’s healthcare, as well as proactively work on other issues that affect constituents across South Texas. A proven leader, he is the former Deputy Whip of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, former Treasurer of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, and former Nueces County Democratic Party Chair. When elected, Rep. Ortiz will bring those organizational skills to the Texas Legislature once again.
Rep. Dr. Suleman Lalani, HD 76 (Houston-Sugar Land): State Representative Suleman Lalani passed 36 bills and added key amendments in just one term. As a freshman, he was appointed to Higher Education, Natural Resources, and Resolutions Calendars committees. He delivered on legislative priorities including healthcare, education, mental health, and technology. Rep. Lalani is ready to fight for full Medicaid expansion and common sense gun safety policies.
Tony Adams for HD 61 (Dallas-McKinney): Tony Adams is a compassionate, unifying Texan fighting for freedom, dignity, and a better future for all. He will work for Texas public educators and stand against the school vouchers scam. Additionally, Adams believes healthcare is a right and not a privilege.
Walter Coppage for HD 69 (Fort Worth-Wichita Falls): Walter Coppage became a Certified Public Accountant in 1981 and opened his accounting firm that same year. He’s owned and operated numerous small businesses and other ventures. Coppage understands, for Texas to have the best jobs in America, we need the best public schools right here in the Lone Star State.
For Harris County Attorney
Christian Menefee: Christian Menefee was elected as the youngest person and the first African American to serve as Harris County Attorney, the chief civil lawyer for the most populated county in the state. He’s used the office’s legal authority to expand voter rights, advance environmental justice, safeguard our elections, and stand up to Governor Greg Abbott. Menefee is a proud Democrat, one needed to protect all Texans.
City (Local) Ballot Initiatives
Progress Texas endorses the following local cannabis decriminalization measures in the following cities. These acts, if passed, will make marijuana and paraphernalia possession the lowest public safety enforcement priorities, in addition to banning city resources for THC testing or using the odor of marijuana or hemp as probable cause for search or seizure. It is Progress Texas’ understanding that state law regarding cannabis will still be enforced for violent crimes.
City of Bastrop Freedom Act Proposition M – FOR
City of Dallas Freedom Act (Reform Marijuana Enforcement Act) Proposition R – FOR
City of Lockhart Freedom Act Proposition A – FOR
City of Dallas “HERO Acts” (Propositions S, T, & U):
Proposition S – (if passed) would force the city to waive immunity, therefore allowing frivolous, right-wing-led lawsuits to attack the City of Dallas’ progressive ordinance reforms; this proposition forms an avenue for wealthy conservative donors to sue city leaders at will. Progress Texas Endorses AGAINST
Proposition T – (if passed) ties surveys to city employee performance compensation packages. This proposition contradicts the ideal of representative democracy and creates an unfunded mandate. Progress Texas Endorses AGAINST
Proposition U - (if passed) would mandate 50% of the previous year’s City of Dallas budget be tied to Police and Fire Pension funding; it further forces an arbitrary minimum number of police officers required on the force. This could result in budget cuts to other critical needs. Progress Texas Endorses AGAINST
What’s Next?
- The last day to apply for a ballot by mail is Fri. October 25, 2024. Don’t delay, some counties are purging voter rolls, check your registration status today!
- Visit GoVoteTexas.org for more quick FAQs, ID requirements, and election deadlines!
- Want to work the polls? Here’s how you can get involved in elections!
- Help us lift up progressive candidates and reach more young, first time voters before November 5! Please invest in nonprofit progressive Texas media today!
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