There are a ton of Democratic races I’m excited about here in Texas, and there’s no doubt that Averie Bishop’s race for House District 112 is at the top of the list. Bishop, also the former Miss Texas, has all the qualities that make a great candidate. Her messaging is clear, she is well-liked, super-smart, and working hard to win this seat. Let’s get into it.
Who is Averie Bishop?
Averie Bishop is not just a candidate; she’s a testament to the American dream and the diverse spirit of Texas. A fifth-generation Texan raised in McKinney and educated in the Title 1 school of Prosper ISD, and she saw firsthand the challenges her teachers and classmates faced due to the shortcomings of Republican state lawmakers. This experience ignited a passion in her to advocate for better conditions and opportunities for all Texans.
Bishop’s journey from a small-town girl to a graduate of SMU Law School and Miss Texas is a story of perseverance and dedication. As Miss Texas, she crisscrossed the state, traveling over 60,000 miles and engaging with more than 100,000 students to promote inclusivity and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the Lone Star State. Now, she’s channeling that same energy and commitment into her campaign for HD112.
In her run for office, Bishop aims to protect Texas youth, ensure economic prosperity, fight for affordable healthcare, and safeguard our environment against the climate emergency. Her platform reflects a deep understanding of Texas’ population and the need for leadership that truly represents its communities. Bishop’s vision of Texas is progressive and pragmatic, from advocating for comprehensive DEI legislation to pushing for renewable energy incentives and holistic urban planning.
Bishop’s unwavering commitment to education and healthcare is clear. She understands that Texas deserves safe public schools, quality education, and access to affordable healthcare. Her proposals include common-sense gun legislation, better teacher pay, mental health resources for youth, and protection of reproductive health rights.
In addition to her fantastic achievements, Averie Bishop is a content creator and political influencer on social media, having amassed almost 1 million followers across platforms.
Who is she running against?
The Republican incumbent of HD112 is Angie Chen Button. Her voting history reflects her far-right alignment with the wealthy. She is vehemently anti-worker and anti-civil rights. Because of her anti-worker, pro-millionaire positions, she’s typically a favorite by PACs led by the Republican establishment.
More than once, when taking an anti-civil rights position in the House, Button has claimed she’s against equality because her parents fled Communist China. However, it’s important to point out that her parents fled China during the Great Retreat. The people who were fleeing China during the Great Retreat were far-right nationalists.
Based on Button’s positions and voting history, she is:
Pro-vouchers.
Anti-democratic.
Anti-civil rights.
Pro-oil.
A climate change denier.
Anti-worker.
Anti-Black.
Anti-immigrant.
Anti-healthcare.
Pro-billionaire.
Pro-forced birth.
Pro-mass shootings.
Anti-liberty.
Button has been in office for 15 years and undoubtedly played a massive role in the harm Republicans have inflicted in our state over the last few decades.
The difference between Angie Chen Button and Averie Bishop is like night and day. While Button represents oppression and corruption, Bishop represents freedom and liberty.
What about this district (HD112)?
This district is gerrymandered into the Northeast corner of Dallas County and includes the following cities:
While most of this district is Anglo, it’s only by a smidge. The district is 57.6% Anglo, 11.9% Asian, 12.2% Black, and 16.2% Hispanic.
In HD112, residents are generally more educated and wealthy than most other places in Texas. Poverty is also reasonably low in this district.
When Republicans redrew the maps in 2021, they only gave themselves a 0.5-point advantage in HD112. They did this because Dallas County is super blue, and there was no more Republican pie to be sliced up.
This is why the Averie Bishop campaign calls HD112 “The most winnable seat in Texas.”
Is HD112 the most winnable seat in Texas? There are multiple Texas House seats, which are very winnable this year. Certainly, HD112 is one of them.
On top of that, HD112 has a few other things working in Democrats’ favor:
Dallas County is Colin Allred’s home turf, which should boost down-ballot candidates significantly.
The Dallas County Democratic Party is already working hard. Beginning in June, the Party has been holding multiple block-walking events per week; they started phone banking and holding voter registration events sooner than almost any other county party in Texas.
What will it take for Averie Bishop to win HD112?
To win in HD112, Averie Bishop must leverage a multi-faceted campaign strategy that mobilizes the community, amplifies her message, and capitalizes on the momentum already in her favor.
She should expand her grassroots mobilization efforts, which include door-to-door canvassing and community events multiple times a week. Given Bishop’s strong social media presence, she is and should continue utilizing her influence to amplify her campaign. Building coalitions with local organizations, advocacy groups, and influential community leaders can help broaden her support base, although she’s already secured some essential endorsements.
Voter turnout will mean everything in this election for Texas and HD112.
In 2022, a midterm year, Democrats generally stayed home, and Button won this district by 9 points. However, the turnout was only 45%. Securing a turnout of over 60%+ in this district is likely all Bishop will need to flip the seat.
Victory in HD112 for Averie Bishop isn’t just a win for a candidate; it’s a chance to redefine the values and priorities of Texas leadership. She embodies the change Texans need. Her campaign is a beacon of hope, showcasing what determined, progressive leadership can achieve. Bishop can turn the tide in HD112 and set a precedent for the future of Texas politics. Let’s support her every step of the way. Vote early, vote often, just vote.
You can learn more about Averie Bishop on her website, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
125 days left until the November 5 election!
The Blue Battle 2024 is my series covering races in the Texas Legislature (in no particular order). This series will highlight Democratic candidates once or twice a week leading to the November election. If you missed the previous installments:
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