Even though redistricting maps have yet to be passed in the state legislature, candidates for the midterm election are announcing runs for several offices and endorsements are starting to roll in across the state.
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 John Lira in the TX-23 congressional race. Latino Victory Fund President and CEO Nathalie Rayes released a statement regarding the endorsement.
“Electing John will mean that the district will have a relentless advocate for small business support, voter protection rights, long-term immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship, and access to quality, affordable health care,” said Rayes.
Lira is a veteran who served for eleven years in the U.S. Marine Corps in both active duty and in the reserves. He also worked in the Small Business Administration and at the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service.
Lira was the first candidate to announce he was running in TX-23. He has also been endorsed by VoteVets, an influential PAC for progressive veterans.
In 2020, Rep. Tony Gonzales won a close race against Gina Ortiz Jones for the congressional seat vacated by Republican Rep. Will Hurd. In his office he has consistently voted with the Republican party and holds several extreme positions. Gonzales is opposed to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and mask requirements. He also supports Senate Bill 8, the extreme anti-abortion bill in Texas that essentially bans abortion after six weeks and allows anyone to sue somebody they believe has aided or abetted an abortion.
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).
