Texas 35th Congressional District Race: Casar vs. Rodriguez vs. Viagran
Title: Democratic Candidates Vie for Texas’ 35th Congressional District Seat
In a significant shift for Texas’ 35th congressional district, voters will choose a new Democratic nominee after a decade of representation by Lloyd Doggett. The district has been redrawn in a GOP-controlled redistricting cycle, creating an opportunity for fresh faces in the upcoming election.
The new TX-37, one of the two seats gained by Texas in reapportionment, has been designed as a solidly Democratic vote sink within Austin city limits. This has prompted Doggett to seek his 15th term in Congress in the new district, leaving TX-35 open for new contenders.
The race for TX-35 features Austin City Council Member Greg Casar and State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez as the leading Democratic candidates. With a majority of eligible voters in high-turnout Travis and Hays counties, both Casar and Rodriguez have an advantage in the upcoming primary and potential run-off.
The entry of Rebecca Viagran, a former San Antonio City Council member, adds another dimension to the race. Viagran aims to mobilize voters from Bexar and Comal counties in the southern part of the district to challenge the frontrunners.
Casar, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has garnered support from national progressive groups and figures, positioning himself as a champion of progressive policies. Rodriguez, on the other hand, emphasizes his track record as a progressive dealmaker, willing to work across party lines while standing firm on his values.
The candidates align on key progressive issues such as voting rights, workers’ rights, and healthcare, but differ in their approaches to housing policy. Casar advocates for federal intervention in housing affordability and zoning practices, while Rodriguez focuses on local solutions and partnerships.
As the primary election approaches, Casar leads in fundraising and polling, with Rodriguez and Viagran trailing behind. The race has seen some controversy, with attack mailers targeting Casar sparking backlash from progressives and highlighting the competitive nature of the campaign.
With early voting set to begin in February, the race for Texas’ 35th congressional district promises to be a closely watched contest with implications for the future of progressive politics in the state.
