Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Endorses MJ Hegar in Texas Senate Race
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has made a significant move by endorsing MJ Hegar in the crowded primary to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. This endorsement has sparked controversy among Hegar’s competitors, with some accusing national Democrats of favoring Hegar over more diverse candidates.
Hegar, a former Air Force helicopter pilot and 2018 congressional candidate, has emerged as the top fundraiser in the race. However, polls show that the primary remains wide open as Democrats aim to unseat Cornyn, following Beto O’Rourke’s close loss in 2018.
The backlash to the DSCC endorsement began with rival Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez’s campaign, calling the nod “tone-deaf to the diverse Texas electorate.” Another candidate of color, Dallas state Sen. Royce West, denounced the endorsement as a “slap in the face” to black Texans.
Hegar, in response, highlighted her grassroots campaign and emphasized the need to defeat Cornyn and have more regular people like her in Washington. Despite receiving some national support, major endorsements like the DSCC’s have been rare in the primary.
As the primary approaches, candidates are sharpening their strategies to stand out. Tzintzún Ramirez is positioning herself as the progressive alternative to Hegar, who has focused on a general election approach. The DSCC’s intervention has stirred up further criticism from candidates and Republicans alike.
Overall, the DSCC’s endorsement of Hegar has added a new layer of complexity to the already competitive primary race, with candidates vying for support and attention in the lead-up to the election.