About

For years, Texas Republicans have fought an open war against the truth in Texas. As right-wing media has become dominant across the state, there has never been a more important time to take the gloves off and speak truth to power.

That’s where we come in. Texas Signal is a progressive news and media company dedicated to providing Texans with the news and opinion coverage they need while never compromising on the facts. In the two years since we launched, we’ve written thousands of stories about politics, policy, and culture in Texas, and have helped build a new media ecosystem for progressives and concerned Texans alike. Our writing, podcasts, and video are created by Texans for Texans, and our work has gained millions of impressions. Ready to help us fight back?

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David Lee

President and Co-founder

David is the President and Co-founder of the Texas Signal, the largest progressive media entity in Texas. He focuses on strategic partnerships, business growth, and policy for the organization. Previously, David served as Senior Advisor to Beto O’Rourke for his 2022 Gubernatorial campaign, and he also worked on Beto’s Presidential and Senate races as well. David graduated from Georgetown University, majoring in Government and Political Theory, and received a Masters degree in International Political Economy from Stanford University. David is on the boards of Texas Future Project, New Leaders Council (National Board), NextGen America, VoteSimple, Global Americans, Chicken and Egg Pictures, New American Leaders, AAPI Victory Fund, Center for Asian American Media, Friends of National Asian Pacific American Museum, and the Philanthropy Workshop. In his free time, David is an avid aquarist and is on his 7th generation of neocaridina shrimp.

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Rebecca Marques

Chief Executive Officer

Rebecca is the Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Signal. She focuses on organizational growth, strategic planning, staff development, and business strategy. Rebecca was the Coalitions Director for the Beto for Texas gubernatorial campaign. Prior to that, she was the Texas state director for the Human Rights Campaign and a Political Strategist with the ACLU of Texas. Previously, she served as the Florida campaign organizer for Oceana’s Climate and Energy Campaign, where she successfully led bipartisan local and statewide initiatives to prevent the expansion of offshore drilling to the Atlantic. Marques holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Florida, which is where she got her first experience in political organizing.

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Jessica Montoya Coggins

Features + Opinion Editor

A longtime writer and journalist, Jessica was thrilled to join the Texas Signal where she could utilize her unique perspective on politics and culture. As the Features and Opinion Editor, she is responsible for coordinating editorials and segments from diverse authors. She is also the host of the podcast the Tex Mix, as well as the co-host for the weekly SignalCast. Jessica attended Harvard College, is a onetime fitness blogger, and has now transitioned to recreational runner (for which her joints are thankful).

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Fernando Ramirez

Political Editor

Fernando covers Texas politics and government at the Texas Signal. Before joining the Signal, Fernando spent two years at the Houston Chronicle and previously interned at Houston’s NPR station News 88.7. He is a graduate of the University of Houston, Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, and enjoys reading, highlighting things, and arguing on social media.

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William Kim

Editorial Assistant + Staff Writer

William serves as a staff writer and editorial assistant at the Texas Signal, where he edits and posts articles and writes on topics ranging from national security to Louie Gohmert’s plan to alter the orbit of planets. William has worked on Democratic campaigns in Texas, Colorado, and North Carolina and is an internet meme expert.

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Sarah Taqvi

Podcast + Video Producer

Sarah brings more than seven years of experience as a multimedia journalist to Texas Signal, where she serves as our Podcast and Video Producer, managing the company’s three podcasts, including SignalCast, TexMix Podcast and Three Righteous Mamas, and assisting with copy-editing and social media as well. Sarah is also the Editor-at-Large at Brown Girl Magazine, and an avid artist, TV/film enthusiast and cook. Sarah graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Journalism, and received a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Houston.

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Joe Deshotel

Podcaster

Joe Deshotel is originally from Beaumont, Texas, but a combination of live music, politics, and natural beauty brought him to Austin in 2010. He attended Lamar University and has over a decade of experience in public policy that covers federal, state, and local government and has worked on a number of successful election campaigns. He continues to consult on Democratic campaigns and serves as the Chair of Austin’s Community Development Commission which advocates for affordable housing and solutions for homelessness.

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Benjamin Salinas

Social Media Manager

Ben brings over four years of experience as a political communications manager and graphic designer to Texas Signal, where he serves as our Social Media Manager and does everything from designing graphics and posting on social media, to writing a column about current events. Ben was the Social Media Director for College Democrats of America during the historic 2018 midterms when Democrats swept the House of Representatives. Ben was a first-generation university student and graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration.

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Kennedy Sessions

Political Reporter

Kennedy is a recent graduate of the University of St. Thomas in Houston where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Celt Independent. Kennedy brings her experience of writing about social justice issues to the Texas Signal where she serves as our Political Reporter. She does everything from covering crime beats, Texas politics, and community activism. Kennedy is a passionate reporter, avid reader, coffee enthusiast, and loves to travel.

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David Leffler

Contributing Writer + Podcaster

Based in his hometown of Austin, David is a political reporter and feature writer whose work has appeared in the likes of The Washington Post, the Texas Observer, and Public Health Watch. He’s also a graduate of the University of Texas, where he studied government and wrote for the school’s newspaper, The Daily Texan. In addition to providing a blend of reported pieces and opinion columns for the Texas Signal, David is a frequent guest on the outlet’s signature podcasts. You can find him playing basketball or hanging out poolside in his free time.

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Chris Chu de León

Contributing Writer

Chris covers Texas politics and government. He is a Policy Advisor for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and a graduate student at Harvard University. Previously, Chris served as Texas State Director and National Barnstorm Director for Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, and as a Political Advisor for Beto O’Rourke. Born in Houston, Texas to immigrants from Hong Kong and Mexico, he is committed to building political power for working people and communities of color. Chris is a Fulbright Scholar and a graduate of Rice University.

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Tariq Thowfeek

Senior Advisor

Tariq Thowfeek is a communication and design professional with nine years of experience working in food insecurity, political organizations, a Fortune 50 company, and the Biden for President campaign. Tariq is currently a principal at Seeker Strategies, a progressive, Black and Brown-owned communications and advocacy firm. He has been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, POLITICO, and top-tier media outlets across the country. He attended Baylor University and currently lives in Austin with his wife, Tareen. He’s a passable tennis player, web designer, and recently became a father.

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