All eyes are on Texas with municipal elections happening across the state on May 1. However, another key election is occurring, in the sixth congressional district to replace former congressman Ron Wright, that has garnered national attention and investment.
Latino Victory Fund, a progressive political action committee started by Eva Longoria and Henry Muñoz III to grow Latino political power, announced they were officially endorsing Jana Lynne Sanchez in the race. Latino Victory Fund President and CEO Nathalie Reyes released a statement regarding the endorsement.
“Jana Lynne Sanchez is an experienced businesswoman who will bring a meaningful perspective to the table by uplifting diverse voices in her district and helping Texans get back on their feet and thrive. She’s a job creator who understands the importance of having a robust economy that works for everyone, and she’ll help steer Texas through the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Reyes.
Latino Victory Fund is the latest national organization to announce they were endorsing a candidate in a crowded primary with over 20 candidates. Sanchez also recently received the backing from BOLD PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Sanchez previously ran for the seat in 2018. In the 2020 election, attorney Stephen Daniel lost to Wright, 52.8-44 in a DCCC red-to-blue targeted race. However, Biden lost the district to Trump by just 3 points.
The special election in North Texas has generated national attention, mostly from the antics of several Republican candidates in the race. Sery Kim, a former Trump official, lost the endorsements of two Korean-American U.S. members of congress after comments she made about not wanting immigrants from China. Dan Rodimer, a former professional wrestler who ran for congress in Nevada last November, also faced plenty of ridicule for an ad his campaign released showing him attempting to ride a bull with a brand-new Texan accent.
Susan Wright, the widow of former congressman Ron Wright, is considered to be a front-runner for a likely run-off election. Susan Wright has the backing of several prominent Republicans in Texas including the mayor of Arlington Jeff Williams and U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden.
Current Texas State Rep. Jake Ellzey is also a candidate in the special election. Ellzey has the support of former Texas Governor Rick Perry. Another Republican candidate, Michael Wood, a self-described “Never Trumper” has also been endorsed by the Republican Accountability Project.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, candidates in the special election have raised over $2.5 million. Ellzey was the top recipient, with over $500,000 in contributions. Shawn Lassiter, a former educator and nonprofit leader, led the democratic field with over $322,000 raised.
Lassiter has been endorsed by a number of national organizations, including Collective PAC, 314 Action, and most recently the Voter Protection Project.
Another democratic woman in the race, former professor Dr. Lydia Bean, announced she had been endorsed by Teamsters Local 767, and IBEW Local 20. Bean also has the support of the Texas AFL-CIO. In 2020, Bean lost a Texas house race against current State Rep. Matt Krause.
The latest polling from the race shows Sanchez at the top with 16 percent of the vote, followed by Susan Wright at 15 percent. Ellzey comes in with 14 percent of the vote, followed by Brian Harrison, a former HHS administrator in the Trump administration, at 12 percent. Harrison has been touting his Trump credentials, even boasting about defunding Planned Parenthood.
Early voting continues until April 27, and election day is Saturday, May 1.
Latino Victory Fund also announced other candidate endorsements in the upcoming municipal elections: Adam Bazaldua, candidate for Dallas City Council District 7; Ana Sandoval, candidate for San Antonio City Council District 7; Robert Treviño, candidate for San Antonio City Council District 1; and Tara Wilson, candidate for Fort Worth City Council, District 4.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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).
