Wendy Davis Announces Campaign For Texas Governor
Wendy Davis announced her campaign for governor of Texas on Thursday while standing in front of her suburban Fort Worth high school. The announcement was rumored for months before Thursday’s scheduled appearance.
The Democrat, who currently serves as a Texas state senator, will face an uphill battle in a state that normally caters to Republicans. But Davis has a growing following from across the country, which could help her become the first Democrat Texas governor in decades.
Wendy was catapulted into the national spotlight this summer by an epic filibuster against a bill restricting abortion. In announcing her candidacy, the politician denounced the political culture in Austin, which she believes caters to special interests instead of the middle class.
The challenges for a Democrat in Texas are daunting, at the very least. The last Democratic governor of Texas was Ann Richards in 1990. Perry has been at the helm of the state since then and none of his three rivals have received more than 42 percent of the vote.
Davis’ most likely opponent next year is state Attorney General Greg Abbott, the favorite to win the Republican nomination. He has already raised much more money than she has.
Despite the odds against her, Wendy Davis was confident during her campaign announcement, choosing to focus on education issues and the middle class. Davis stated:
“Texas has waited too long for a governor who knows that quid pro quo shouldn’t be the status quo. It’s time for a governor who believes that you don’t have to buy a place in Texas’ future.”
The gubernatorial hopeful added, “Texas deserves a leader who understands that making education a priority creates good jobs for Texans and keeps Texas on top.” Davis added that the rising cost of college and other education issues will be the centerpiece of her campaign for governor of Texas.
Fundraising dollars for Wendy Davis’ gubernatorial campaign are coming in from across the country.
[Image via Albert H. Teich / Shutterstock.com]
