Progressives Angered Over US House Leaders' Support of "Moderate" Cuellar In Runoff Election

[#TexasPolitics365]

Texas election officials have still not declared a winner in the state’s 28th congressional district, where incumbent Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar leads progressive lawyer Jessica Cisneros by 175 votes out of roughly 45,000 ballots cast.

But as progressives wait to see who will win the runoff race, they cannot help but think of what might have been if House Democratic leaders had not come to Cuellar’s assistance. Cuellar secured the endorsements of the top three House Democrats, and the congressman’s campaign was also propped up by millions of dollars in super Pac spending aimed at attacking Cisneros.

(Full story HERE.)
--------------------------------------------------

** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? texaspolitics365@gmail.com

Advertisement

For advertising opportunities, email us.

Some Progressives Won Primaries, But "Red Wave" In November Still Likely, Say Pundits

[#TexasPolitics365]

After Tuesday’s primary election, Texas progressives see a goal within reach: At least three new members of Congress, all of whom are politically aligned with the likes of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The outcome isn’t certain, with voters sending several progressive candidates to runoffs and denying national groups the sweeping victory they’d hoped for. But they say Tuesday’s results were a promising start to the country’s 2022 primary elections, with one candidate, former Austin City Councilmember Greg Casar, crushing competition and heading to an all-but-certain win in a blue district this November.

(Full story HERE.)
--------------------------------------------------

** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? texaspolitics365@gmail.com

Advertisement

For advertising opportunities, email us.

Progressive Group Endorses Rep. Cuellar's Primary Opponent

[#TexasPolitics365]

The Sunrise Movement, a progressive Group championing action on climate change, has announced its endorsement of progressive Jessica Cisneros in her primary challenge to oust Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar in Texas' 28th Congressional District.

Human rights and immigration attorney Cisneros in August launched her campaign to primary Cuellar for a second time after she narrowly lost to the incumbent in the 2020 primary election, though newly redrawn maps mean the district now has different boundaries.

Cuellar, who's represented the South Texas district since 2005, has strong backing from the Democratic Party establishment. But progressives note that  he has a 47% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters, has been described by the Texas AFL-CIO as "not on working people's side," and was recently criticized by NARAL Pro-Choice America for being "the last anti-choice Democrat in the House."

Founded in 2017 by climate change activist

Varshini Prakash, the Sunshine Movement has made a name for itself by pushing elected Democrats to embrace climate change as a key issue.

(Full story here.)
--------------------------------------------------

** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? texaspolitics365@gmail.com

Advertisement

For advertising opportunities, email us.

Progressive Group Political Director Calls Potential McConaughey Candidacy A "Sideshow"

[#TexasPolitics365]

Mike Siegel, political director of progressive organizing group Ground Game Texas, called actor Matthew McConaughey’s potential Texas gubernatorial bid a “sideshow.”

“He’s treading extremely carefully right now to prolong this moment of fame and attention to make it seem like he’s a serious candidate for governor,” Siegel, a former congressional candidate, told Hill.TV’s “Rising.”

McConaughey, who hasn’t entered the race or announced a party affiliation, polled ahead of Gov. Greg Abbott (R) in a September survey conducted by The Dallas Morning News and University of Texas at Tyler.

But Siegel argued that it’s unlikely the actor would make it through either party’s primary.

(Full story here.)
--------------------------------------------------

** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? texaspolitics365@gmail.com

Advertisement

For advertising opportunities, email us.