Wendy Davis first came to national attention in 2013 when, as a Texas state senator, she filibustered a major anti-abortion bill for 13 hours, donning pink sneakers. Later that year, she launched a campaign for Texas governor, which proved too big a challenge in Texas.
But, like other areas of the country, Texas’ suburban voters, led primarily by women, have demonstrated a rejection of a Republican agenda that they feel is failing them. In 2018, Texas came within two points of electing its first statewide Democrat since 1994, and successfully flipped two congressional seats, two state senate seats and 12 state house seats from red to blue.
The DCCC has made Texas a particular focus of its efforts and investment this cycle, setting up a fully staffed team in Austin to help flip several seats. Reading the writing on the wall, six Texas GOP Members of Congress have announced their retirements.
Davis is challenging a first-term Republican, Rep. Chip Roy, who previously served as chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz. Texas’ 21st district stretches from Austin to San Antonio, a fast growing area that is hospitable for Davis. Roy won by only a 2% margin in 2018, leaving the seat ripe for the taking. This is the fastest growing congressional district in Texas, and, in the recent primary, the Democratic turnout was by far the highest of any congressional district in the state.
Davis, who served as Vice Chair on the International Relations and Trade committee for the Texas State Senate, has significantly outraised the incumbent and won a smashing victory in the Democratic primary for this seat with 86% of the vote. She also is founder of Deeds Not Words, a non-profit for engaging young women in politics.
She opposes the new nuclear weapons programs proposed by the Trump administration and supports extending the New START nuclear arms treaty by five years.
Wendy Davis has an excellent chance of entering the House of Representatives in 2021.
