EMILYs List Statement on Historic Victories in Texas Congressional Primaries

For Immediate Release
March 7, 2018 

EMILY's List Statement on Historic Victories in Texas Congressional Primaries

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, released the following statement ontonight’s historic victories for pro-choice Democratic women in Texas’ congressional Democratic primaries. Among the slate of candidates endorsed by EMILYs List, Lizzie Pannill Fletcher (TX-07) and Gina Ortiz Jones (TX-23) advanced to run-off elections, Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) outright won their primary races, and Lillian Salerno's (TX-32) race is too close to call.

“This is an historic night for pro-choice Democratic women in Texas in a year that has seen an unprecedented number of women running for office in the state,” said Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILYs List. “EMILYs List could not be more thrilled to see these strong, diverse leaders advance one step closer to victory this November as they continue their fight for good-paying jobs, stronger public schools, investment in infrastructure, and access to quality, affordable health care. And in a state that has never elected a Latina to Congress, EMILY's List is particularly proud to congratulate Veronica Escobar and Sylvia Garcia as they both move one step closer to making history this November.”

“In a year where Democrats have seen a boost in enthusiasm, we know that this electoral sea change is led by women who are eager for change and carrying that momentum to the ballot box. This is our time, and EMILYs List is proud to stand with these progressive champions as they change the face of politics.”

EMILYs List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $500 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates – making them one of the most successful political organizations ever. Our grassroots community of over five million members helps Democratic women wage competitive campaigns – and win. We recruit and train candidates, support strong campaigns, research the issues that impact women and families, and turn out women voters. Since our founding in 1985, we have helped elect 116 women to the House, 23 to the Senate, 12 governors, and over 800 to state and local office. Forty percent of the candidates EMILYs List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color. Since the 2016 election, thousands of women and counting have reached out to us about running for office. To harness this energy, EMILYs List has launched Run to Win, an unprecedented effort to get more women to run at the local, state, and national levels.