San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro Endorses Pete Gallego in CD-23 Runoff

by: Katherine Haenschen

Thu Jul 12, 2012 at 01:15 PM CDT

What makes this such a big deal? San Antonio is considered strong Ciro Rodriguez turf, Gallego's opponent in the run-off. Rodriguez received 56% of the vote in the county in the May 29th primary election. Rodriguez previously represented the 23rd, losing to Republican incumbent Quico "I Hate Cops and Firefighters" Canseco in 2010.

The 23rd is considered one of the best pick-up opportunities for Democrats across the nation this cycle, and it's critical that our party nominate the candidate best capable of winning in November -- and in November 2014 as well. Gallego's fundraising prowess will enable him to fight back against Canseco, a veritable vacuum for conservative special interest money.  

Mayor Castro released the following statement today, emphasis mine:

"It is with great pride that I endorse my friend Pete Gallego in this race for Congress."

"From the servicemen and women at our military installations to our blue collar working families, and from our Fortune 500 companies to our universities, the future of San Antonio is the future of America. We need a congressional delegation that can work together to grow our economy and recruit major employers, to support our military, and to never give up in the fight against radical politicians who want to make it harder for every Texas child to get a quality education and affordable healthcare. That is why we need Pete Gallego in Congress. He is the best candidate in this race to take on Quico Canseco in November, and a proven leader whose steady hand we can count on to serve our community in Congress for years to come."

If elected, Gallego will be an exemplary member of Congress, based on his history of tremendous leadership and public service in the Texas Legislature. It's great to see Mayor Castro, another tremendous leader with a bright future ahead of him in Texas, stand up for Gallego. Whether this moves any voters in the Bexar County portion of the district remains to be seen, but for the sake of a Democratic majority in Congress next January, I sure hope it does.

Want to help Pete? Donate directly to him through ActBlue right now.

The full release from the Gallego campaign is below the jump.

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro Endorses Pete Gallego for Congress

San Antonio, TX // In a major development in the race to take on Congressman Quico Canseco in the 2012 general election, today San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro announced his endorsement of State Representative Pete Gallego for Texas's 23rd Congressional District. Mayor Castro released the following statement:

   "It is with great pride that I endorse my friend Pete Gallego in this race for Congress."

   "From the servicemen and women at our military installations to our blue collar working families, and from our Fortune 500 companies to our universities, the future of San Antonio is the future of America. We need a congressional delegation that can work together to grow our economy and recruit major employers, to support our military, and to never give up in the fight against radical politicians who want to make it harder for every Texas child to get a quality education and affordable healthcare. That is why we need Pete Gallego in Congress. He is the best candidate in this race to take on Quico Canseco in November, and a proven leader whose steady hand we can count on to serve our community in Congress for years to come."

Representative Gallego added the following comments:

   "This endorsement is major development for our campaign."

   "Make no mistake: Julian Castro and Joaquin Castro are two of the hardest working, most well-respected political leaders in our state - even our country. This endorsement reflects the positive momentum I feel every day as I cross this district - from San Antonio to Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Alpine, and El Paso. Democrats in southwest Texas are ready for a leader who can win in November and who will fight every day to protect the American dream for all our families."

Mayor Julian Castro is currently serving his second term as Mayor of the nation's seventh largest city. Castro's record as Mayor includes a focus on attracting well-paying jobs in 21st century industries, positioning San Antonio to be a leader in the New Energy Economy and raising educational attainment across the spectrum.

Pete Gallego has represented his hometown of Alpine and his West Texas neighbors in the Texas House since he was elected in 1990 at only 28 years old. Gallego is running for Congress to bring his proven record of common-sense problem solving and of fighting for working families to Washington, D.C.