Support for Progressive Candidates in Texas State Races: DLCC Backs Kristian Carranza
The Democratic Party arm for funding state races is making a significant investment in Texas, throwing its support behind progressive candidate Kristian Carranza as she aims to unseat Republican Texas Rep. John Lujan in the upcoming election cycle. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee announced its plan to back Carranza, along with two other Texas candidates, in an effort to shift the balance of power in the state legislature.
Carranza, a 33-year-old community organizer, is challenging Lujan in Texas House District 118, a historically Democratic stronghold that Lujan flipped for Republicans in a special election in 2021. Despite Lujan’s narrow victory in the 2022 midterms, Carranza is confident that with the DLCC’s support, she can win the seat and bring a progressive voice to the state legislature.
The DLCC’s investment in Texas comes as part of a larger effort to support state legislative races in key battleground states across the country. With a record $60 million being spent on races in states like Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, the DLCC is aiming to counter the gridlock in Congress and advance progressive policies at the state level.
According to DLCC President Heather Williams, Texas Republicans are facing internal divisions, and the party’s extreme positions are out of step with the majority of Texans. By backing candidates like Carranza, the DLCC hopes to make significant gains in the state legislature and push back against the rightward drift of Texas Republicans.
Overall, the DLCC’s investment in Texas signals a renewed focus on state-level politics and a commitment to supporting progressive candidates in key races across the country. With the 2024 election cycle heating up, all eyes will be on Texas as Carranza and other Democratic candidates vie for control of the state legislature.
