| You probably know Joaquin Castro as the up-and-coming state legislator from San Antonio, or as the candidate running in (and likely to win) San Antonio's 20th Congressional district. But he's also moonlighting as a "Majority Maker" - one of a small group of soon-to-be Congressmen and women who are likely to win their races, and are thus focusing campaign efforts on other Democrats who need it more than they do.
Castro is up for election this November, and though he faces a bevy of opponents (Republican, Green and Libertarian), the district is about 58 percent Democratic and it's expected that he'll be elected to office. Still - he's not there yet, and he has already raised $100,000 for the Democratic Party.
The DCCC reached out to Castro last year, asking him to join the Majority Makers and to help raise $100k for Democrats in critical "Red to Blue" districts. The Castro campaign responded by contributing directly to the DCCC, holding fundraisers for the DCCC, and donating directly to Red to Blue candidates.
The breakdown of Castro's over $100,000 worth of donations is as follows:
- DCCC Fundraiser in San Antonio: $17.2 k
- Direct Contributions to DCCC: $45k (like the one below)
- Direct Contributions to Red to Blue Candidates: $10k -- Candidates include: Pete Gallego (TX), Nick Lampson (TX), Jose Hernandez (CA), Julia Brownley (CA), Shelly Adler (NJ), Brad Schneider (IL), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM)
Castro explains: "State Democrats have been in the minority my entire legislative career in Texas. While I think we've been effective in our opposition, I've also seen how harmful a Republican super-majority can be. It's critical that we take back the House in Washington, D.C. so Democrats can refocus government on the priorities of mainstream America. I'm happy to do my part."
Matthew Jones, Castro's Finance Director, adds that Castro is also still active in supporting local candidates even while helping to support races around the country: "While we are working tirelessly to raise the funds to help the DCCC re-take the House in Washington, D.C., we remain committed to the Party in San Antonio and Texas. Representative Castro has continued to offer financial support to the HDCC, his colleagues in the Texas House and candidates across the state, including Representative-Elect Mary Gonzalez in El Paso. Outside of fundraising, Rep. Castro is also working on a voter mobilization project that looks very promising."
It's great to see someone not even elected to national office yet - and indeed running his own campaign - do so much to help the Democratic Party. Time for other Texas Democrats to take heed. |
