Toni Rose is the most trustworthy Democratic candidate in HD-110. We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse her for election in the Democratic primary.
Rose is a mental health professional with a history of Democratic activism. Her perspective on mental health issues will be crucial in the Legislature, and her experience will allow her to advocate for programs that support mental health across Texas. Rose received a degree in criminal justice, which provides her with expertise particularly important to this South Dallas district. The intersection of her work in mental health and knowledge of the criminal justice system will enable her to lead on these issues.
Rose has a long record with organizations actively involved in bettering her community. She served as 2nd Vice President to the local NAACP, and Vice President of Voter Outreach with the League of Women Voters of Dallas. She is also involved with the United Negro College Fund, Texas Coalition of Black Democrats, and Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She also served on the City of Dallas planning and judicial nomination commissions. Her grassroots activism and deep involvement with the people of this district make her the better choice.
We have serious concerns about her opponent Larry Taylor, owing to his Republican primary voting history. In 2008, he did not vote in the Democratic primary for Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton -- he voted in the Republican primary, apparently caring more about local Republican races than helping to elect the country's first African-American president. HD-110 is the most Democratic district in the state, and as such voters should elect a staunch Democrat who works to build our party and support our values year after year.
Rose is the candidate we trust the most. We unanimously and enthusiastically encourage voters in HD-110 to support her in the Democratic primary.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Tina Torres is a staunch advocate for families and children, and will bring a strong female voice to the San Antonio state house delegation. We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse her for election to HD-117.
Torres is an attorney with a strong record of community service. She was raised in a family with a staunch commitment to bettering the community -- her mother was a teacher and the first Hispanic woman elected to the State Board of Education, and her father was a San Antonio city council member. Part of her law practice includes family law, and she has served on the boards of non-profits that advocate for families and children. We are particularly impressed that she is a volunteer with CASA, a non-profit that trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the court. Her on-the-ground experience in the community will make her a forceful advocate for the needs of children in her district, especially as Republicans in the legislature fight to take away programs that help low-income families succeed.
When Torres entered the race, some Democratic operatives in the area expressed the sentiment that it wasn't "her turn." Real leaders don't always wait their turn. They seize the opportunity to make a difference. Additionally, we believe that a strong female voice is a necessary and valuable addition to the San Antonio delegation in the lower chamber.
Torres has demonstrated strong campaigning prowess since entering the race, and raised substantial funds in a short time. We believe she will be the strongest challenger to incumbent Republican John Garza, who ousted Democrat David Leibowitz in 2010. It is crucial that we take this seat back, and fill it with the strongest advocate for all people in Texas, especially those who are most routinely victimized by Republicans in the legislature. In our opinion, Torres is the best person to do exactly that.
We unanimously and enthusiastically endorse Tina Torres in HD-117, and encourage voters to support her in the primary and general election.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Mary Ann Perez is the strongest candidate in the open race for HD-144. We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse her in the Democratic primary and general election.
Perez is a Houston Community College Board of Trustees member and heavily involved in her kids' schools, as well as with Hispanic community organizations. On the HCC board she has developed partnerships with area employers to help prepare a qualified workforce. She works as an insurance agent, and as a member of the Legislature, she will be a tireless advocate for quality education and job creation. She is the strongest candidate in the primary and the general election.
The 144th shifted in redistricting to become a genuine swing district, one that has voted for Democrats and Republicans at all levels of the ballot. Incumbent Ken Legler decided not to file, likely choosing to retire rather than run and lose in November. The 48.2% Spanish surname voter registration number suggests that a Hispanic Democratic will be the strongest candidate to win in November. Both Republican candidates are Hispanic, which could be a factor in this district in terms of splitting the Hispanic vote come the fall.
We think Perez will run the strongest campaign all the way through the finish line in November and win this seat for the Democrats.
We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse Mary Ann Perez in HD-144 in the Democratic primary and general election and encourage voters to work hard to elect her in both.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Justin Rodriguez is a long-time public servant who is ready to lead in the Legislature. We unanimously and enthusiastically endorse him for HD-125.
Rodriguez is a former Assistant DA in the Bexar County DA's office and was elected to the San Antonio ISD board, and currently serves on the San Antonio City Council. He's very active in the community and has won a variety of awards for his service. For someone so young he has already amassed an impressive career as an elected official, and his broad range of experience makes him ready to address the diverse needs of his constituents. We think he is the best choice to represent this district, and will continue to advance the infrastructure of opportunity championed by his predecessor in the seat, Joaquin Castro.
We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse Justin Rodriguez for election in HD-125.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Dr. Alma Allen is an expert on school finance and an experienced legislator. Now is not the time to be turning our education experts out of office. We unanimously and enthusiastically endorse her for re-election to HD-131.
Allen is a former member of the State Board of Education (not one of the "crazy" ones, no worries) who served on the board for 10 years. She is a former public school teacher and school administrator who worked for Houston ISD for 39 years. She has taught at Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University. Her broad and deep experience in education and seniority in the state house make her an important member of our delegation.
Allen's opponent Wanda Adams is term limited out of her seat on the Houston City Council. We are not convinced that she wants to serve in the Legislature so much as she wants to find a place to land after her service in Houston is over.
Allen may be nearing end of career, but for now experience is at a premium in our Democratic state house delegation. We see no reason to get rid of this capable and amiable public servant.
Dr. Alma Allen is an advocate for public schools and experienced educator. We unanimously and enthusiastically endorse her for re-election to HD-131.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Nicole Collier's inspiring personal story, work ethic, and commitment to her community make her the strongest choice in HD-95. We unanimously endorse her for election.
Collier is an attorney, small business owner, and Democratic activist in Fort Worth. Despite having her first child at age 16, she worked her way through college and law school, and is now managing partner of her own law firm. She is actively involved in her local PTA, and a leader in various legal organizations. Collier has an inspiring life story, and will be a tremendous role model to the young women of Texas, as she herself has overcome many of the challenges that too many people are facing these days.
Collier has a bright future ahead of her in the state house. We are excited to support leaders like Collier who have a bright future ahead of them. As much as possible, the Democratic Party needs to be nominating and electing people who have long trajectories of public service ahead of them. Also? Not that it matters in terms of our endorsements, but her yard signs are AWESOME.
We unanimously endorse Nicole Collier for election in HD-95.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Lon Burnam is a solid progressive. We see no reason to turn him out of office. Burnt Orange Report enthusiastically and unanimously endorses Burnam for re-election to HD-90.
Burnam is a fierce advocate for education, immigrant rights, and progressive socio-economic policies. The Fort Worth native is a leader on environmental issues, actively fighting Rick Perry's efforts to rubber-stamp a nuclear waste dump in West Texas. He has sounded the alarm on unsafe fracking practices that threaten our drinking water. A man of faith, Burnam uses his Quaker values to reclaim turf for religious progressives in the culture wars. There is absolutely no reason for voters in HD-90 to turn him out of office, and the challenger in particular presents no improvement over the incumbent.
We completely respect the desire of Hispanic leaders to elect Hispanic candidates to majority-Hispanic districts, however in this case it is unlikely that Vasquez would be an improvement over Burnam in any way shape or form, or that he would do better on Hispanic issues than the progressive incumbent. Surely there are other progressive Hispanic candidates who would be better contenders here should Burnam ever decide to retire. Carlos Vasquez has close political ties to questionable individuals, and it sounds as if he may have been involved in efforts to steer contracts towards his cronies while on the Fort Worth school board. Additionally, Vasquez comes across as a divisive figure on the campaign trail, and if there's one thing the Democratic caucus does not need it's freshman members who can't work well with others.
Burnam is a progressive champion and solid Democrat who has devoted his career to making life better for the people of Fort Worth. We unanimously and enthusiastically endorse him for re-election to HD-90.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Poncho Nevárez is the best capable of representing the district and holding the seat in November. We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse him for HD-74.
The winner of this race has big boots to fill in departing Rep. Pete Gallego, and of the five candidates filed for HD-74, Nevárez is the best choice. Nevárez is an attorney from Eagle Pass who served on his local school board for four years, as well as on the Maverick County Appraisal District. Due to his strong background in supporting public education he has been endorsed by the Texas State Teachers Association and Parent PAC as the strongest candidate in the field to continue Gallego's work supporting our schools and teachers. Nevárez has an inspiring personal story that demonstrates the power of education and opportunity -- he was the first member of his family to graduate from college, then went on to law school. Now he is a successful attorney with ten employees in four offices, and devotes substantial time and energy to providing free legal services to those in need. His background, work ethic, and commitment to his community demonstrate that he will be an able voice for providing educational and professional opportunities for all Texans on the floor of the state house.
We are pleased to see Nevárez earn the endorsement of the Del Rio newspaper, the town where his two Democratic primary opponents are from -- this demonstrates that the candidate has broad support across the sprawling West Texas district, not just in Maverick County where 33% of the voters live.
Redistricting has made the 74th a Democratic district in both presidential and gubernatorial cycles, so it is likely that the winner of the primary will go on to win this November and take office in January. However, any work the nominee can do to help turn out voters will be huge in electing Gallego to Congress over failed incumbent Quico Canseco. In the Democratic primary, Nevárez is the only candidate who does not have a questionable history of running as or endorsing Republican candidates for this seat.
Nevárez is the strongest Democrat in this primary, a promising public servant, and the best choice to represent this district in the Legislature. We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse him for election to HD-74.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
This capable leader and advocate for her community has a bright future ahead of her in public service. We enthusiastically, unanimously and emphatically endorse Mary Gonzalez for election to HD-75!
Mary Gonzalez is an inspiring candidate. She has dedicated her life and career to helping others succeed, as an educator, Hispanic community organizer, and legislative staffer. The voters of HD-75 could hardly ask for a better individual to represent them in the state house. We are confident that she will do what is in the best interest of the people in her district, while also actively working towards our progressive goals here in Texas.
Gonzalez has the experience necessary to provide exemplary constituent services for her district. She worked for State Representatives Paul Moreno and Richard Pena Raymond, and also served as Assistant Director in the Office of Research and Demonstration at the National Hispanic Institute. As National President of her Latina-based sorority Kappa Delta Chi, Gonzalez helps young Latinas engage in community service and achieve their career goals.
Gonzalez will bring so many needed perspectives to the floor. In particular, it is her perspective on education that is most sorely needed in the Legislature. With higher education in a crisis here in Texas, Gonzalez will be able to speak from her own experience as a graduate student and college instructor about the dire impacts of cuts to our public universities and resulting curtailed opportunities for education.
Gonzalez's opponent, Hector Enriquez, is not deserving of Democratic support owing to his three donations to Rick Perry, an individual who has done more to hurt the residents of HD-75 than just about any other elected official in Texas history. Three times a Perry donor is three times too much for us. This is a Democratic district, and voters should elect the candidate they can trust to advocate for their needs at the Capitol. That person is Mary Gonzalez.
Mary Gonzalez will provide needed and necessary perspectives on the floor of the State House. We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse her for election, and urge you to support her campaign!
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles had a distinguished career in the legislature, and we unanimously encourage voters to return her to the State House.
Gonzalez Toureilles was an impressive member of the Democratic delegation, and is the best candidate to take on whoever survives the Republican primary in this South Texas district. An attorney, Gonzalez Toureilles chaired the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee in 2009 and is a capable representative for the 43rd, which surrounds Corpus Christi and contains many constituents that depend on farming for their livelihood. Gonzalez Toureilles is absolutely the best choice in the Democratic primary -- her opponent can't stop saying how he wants to vote with the Republicans on key issues -- and best of all, she's the strongest candidate to win this seat in November.
HD-43 is currently held by JM Lozano, the Democrat-turned-Republican who voted against two of Rick Perry's "emergency" items -- Voter ID and the Republican sanctuary cities legislation. Lozano then switched parties to make the best of redistricting, and cash in on big Republican campaign contributions. The Texas Observer reports that since the switch, Lozano has raked in over $40,000 from Republican special interests. Every dollar of that huge fundraising haul is another reason for Lozano to vote against the interests of his district and in favor of draconian Republican policies. Should JM Lozano survive his Republican primary -- which is no guarantee, as he could be the latest GOP nominee to get Victor Carrillo'ed -- Gonzalez Toureilles will be the strongest candidate to face him down in November. Should Lozano win his primary over two Anglo challengers, Gonzalez Toureilles has the advantage of not having to run on the record of Lozano's Wingstop restaurants which are by most customer accounts completely awful. If his constituent services are anywhere near as bad as the service at his wing joints, we've already got this race in the bag.
But this Democratic primary isn't just about who is best to oust Lozano or whatever Republican survives their primary. This endorsement is about who would make the best State Representative, and who will mount the strongest campaign in November to represent the people of HD-43, and that person is clearly Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles.
We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles in the Democratic primary for HD-43, and urge our readers to support her all the way through November.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Rose is a mental health professional with a history of Democratic activism. Her perspective on mental health issues will be crucial in the Legislature, and her experience will allow her to advocate for programs that support mental health across Texas. Rose received a degree in criminal justice, which provides her with expertise particularly important to this South Dallas district. The intersection of her work in mental health and knowledge of the criminal justice system will enable her to lead on these issues.
Torres is an attorney with a strong record of community service. She was raised in a family with a staunch commitment to bettering the community -- her mother was a teacher and the first Hispanic woman elected to the State Board of Education, and her father was a San Antonio city council member. Part of her law practice includes family law, and she has served on the boards of non-profits that advocate for families and children. We are particularly impressed that she is a volunteer with CASA, a non-profit that trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the court. Her on-the-ground experience in the community will make her a forceful advocate for the needs of children in her district, especially as Republicans in the legislature fight to take away programs that help low-income families succeed.
Perez is a Houston Community College Board of Trustees member and heavily involved in her kids' schools, as well as with Hispanic community organizations. On the HCC board she has developed partnerships with area employers to help prepare a qualified workforce. She works as an insurance agent, and as a member of the Legislature, she will be a tireless advocate for quality education and job creation. She is the strongest candidate in the primary and the general election.
Rodriguez is a former Assistant DA in the Bexar County DA's office and was elected to the San Antonio ISD board, and currently serves on the San Antonio City Council. He's very active in the community and has won a variety of awards for his service. For someone so young he has already amassed an impressive career as an elected official, and his broad range of experience makes him ready to address the diverse needs of his constituents. We think he is the best choice to represent this district, and will continue to advance the 
Allen is a former member of the State Board of Education (not one of the "crazy" ones, no worries) who served on the board for 10 years. She is a former public school teacher and school administrator who worked for Houston ISD for 39 years. She has taught at Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University. Her broad and deep experience in education and seniority in the state house make her an important member of our delegation.
Collier is an attorney, small business owner, and Democratic activist in Fort Worth. Despite having her first child at age 16, she worked her way through college and law school, and is now managing partner of her own law firm. She is actively involved in her local PTA, and a leader in various legal organizations. Collier has an inspiring life story, and will be a tremendous role model to the young women of Texas, as she herself has overcome many of the challenges that too many people are facing these days.
Burnam is a fierce advocate for education, immigrant rights, and progressive socio-economic policies. The Fort Worth native is a leader on environmental issues, actively fighting Rick Perry's efforts to rubber-stamp a nuclear waste dump in West Texas. He has sounded the alarm on unsafe fracking practices that threaten our drinking water. A man of faith, Burnam uses his Quaker values to reclaim turf for religious progressives in the culture wars. There is absolutely no reason for voters in HD-90 to turn him out of office, and the challenger in particular presents no improvement over the incumbent.
The winner of this race has big boots to fill in departing Rep. Pete Gallego, and of the five candidates filed for HD-74, Nevárez is the best choice. Nevárez is an attorney from Eagle Pass who served on his local school board for four years, as well as on the Maverick County Appraisal District. Due to his strong background in supporting public education he has been endorsed by the Texas State Teachers Association and Parent PAC as the strongest candidate in the field to continue Gallego's work supporting our schools and teachers. Nevárez has an inspiring personal story that demonstrates the power of education and opportunity -- he was the first member of his family to graduate from college, then went on to law school. Now he is a successful attorney with ten employees in four offices, and devotes substantial time and energy to providing free legal services to those in need. His background, work ethic, and commitment to his community demonstrate that he will be an able voice for providing educational and professional opportunities for all Texans on the floor of the state house.
Mary Gonzalez is an inspiring candidate. She has dedicated her life and career to helping others succeed, as an educator, Hispanic community organizer, and legislative staffer. The voters of HD-75 could hardly ask for a better individual to represent them in the state house. We are confident that she will do what is in the best interest of the people in her district, while also actively working towards our progressive goals here in Texas.
Gonzalez Toureilles was an impressive member of the Democratic delegation, and is the best candidate to take on whoever survives the Republican primary in this South Texas district. An attorney, Gonzalez Toureilles chaired the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee in 2009 and is a capable representative for the 43rd, which surrounds Corpus Christi and contains many constituents that depend on farming for their livelihood. Gonzalez Toureilles is absolutely the best choice in the Democratic primary -- her opponent can't stop saying how he wants to vote with the Republicans on key issues -- and best of all, she's the strongest candidate to win this seat in November.
