Stacey Abrams, who came tantalizingly close to capturing the Georgia Governor’s office in 2018, issued endorsements on Tuesday in a slew of races across the South, including here in Texas where she endorsed combat veteran MJ Hegar in her quest to defeat little-known U.S. Senator John Cornyn.
Abrams, who may very well be Governor of Georgia today were it not for an aggressive voter suppression campaign led by her opponent (who was then serving as Georgia Secretary of State) used the endorsements to highlight the South as an emerging battleground for Democrats.
“I am proud to endorse this group of candidates up and down the ballot who will transform the South, expand economic opportunity and protect our health care,” Abrams announced on Twitter. “From Texas to North Carolina and in between, these chagemakers will reflect the communities they serve, moving their states and our nation forward. Victory is within reach if we make our voices heard and our votes counted — so let’s get it done.”
In addition to Hegar, who has driven the Senate race into tossup territory, Abrams also endorsed incumbent Democratic Reps. Colin Allred (TX-32) and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7), as well as challengers Sima Ladjevardian (TX-02), Wendy Davis (TX-21), Gina Ortiz Jones (TX-23), Candace Valenzuela (TX-24) and Julie Oliver (TX-25).
Abrams, who after the 2018 election cycle founded Fair Fight Action to help empower voter registration, expansion and protection programs across the country, also weighed in on several of the closest races for the Texas House.
All told, Abrams endorsed eight candidates seeking to help Democrats recapture the majority in the Statehouse: Sarah DeMerchant (HD-26), Keke Williams (HD-54), Lorenzo Sanchez (HD-67), Lydia Bean (HD-93), Alisa Simmons (HD-94), Joanna Cattanach (HD-108), Celina Montoya (HD-121) and Natali Hurtado (HD-126).
Photo: Jessica McGowan/Getty Images
Joe brings over a decade of experience as a political operative and creative strategist to Texas Signal, where he serves as our Senior Advisor and does everything from writing a regular column, Musings, to mentoring our staff and freelancers. Joe was campaign manager for Lina Hidalgo's historic 2018 victory for Harris County Judge and is a passionate sneakerhead.
