As a member of the House Democrats that left Texas and broke quorum, State Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos has had a whirlwind few days in Washington to talk voting rights legislation, even getting to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris. And while Ramos and her colleagues have also met with supportive senators like Alex Padilla and Elizabeth Warren, they are still waiting to hear from their home state representation on whether or not a meeting will occur.
In a conversation with Texas Signal, Ramos said that the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) was trying to reach out to both Senators Cruz and Cornyn. Yesterday a reporter with The Dallas Morning News asked Cornyn if he would meet with the Texas Democrats and he said “not if I can help it.” On social media, he also appeared to shut down any chance of a meeting.
Ramos would still like to talk with both Texas Senators. “I’m really hoping and looking forward to Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz agreeing to meet with us,” said Ramos. “It’s important that they see and hear what the real issues are.”
Both Cornyn and Cruz have disparaged the trip to Washington from Texas Democrats. Cruz said that Texas Democrats were “throwing a fit,” while Cornyn claimed that the delegation was “shirking [their] responsibility in Austin for a boondoggle in D.C.”
According to Ramos, her constituents would disagree with Cruz and Cornyn’s characterization. In fact, she says that she and her office have received “overwhelming support” from her north Dallas district. “People know what’s happening, people know what’s at stake and what we risk losing if we don’t have these conversations,” she says.
Ramos also defended leaving Texas on the principle of democracy. “We’re bringing the conversation to D.C. to protect not only voting rights in Texas, but all over the country,” says Ramos.
Whether or not Cornyn and Cruz agree to meet with any Democrat from Texas remains unclear. “If they shut the door on us, then they shut the door on us,” says Ramos. “But I think it’s important that we have those conversations so I’m looking forward to them agreeing to meet with us so that we can have this real conversation, and they can hear the true story behind Abbott’s voter intimidation and suppression bill.”
Photo: Aurora Samperio/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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).
