There are so many exciting races happening all around Texas, and so many Democrats busting their humps to flip seats blue, up and down the ballot. Of all the races I’m most excited about, the two House races in Dallas are at the top. Several counties are vital to flipping Texas this year, and Dallas is at the top.
Aside from Dallas being Colin Allred’s hometown, Dallas Democrats have a lot of reasons to get to the polls this year. The Dallas County Democratic Party started block walking months ago and has been holding organizer training, working hard to push their county into bluer margins.
Elizabeth Ginsberg is a fantastic Democratic candidate with much to offer her district. Let’s get into it.
Who is Elizabeth Ginsberg?
Elizabeth Ginsberg is a dedicated advocate, a seasoned lawyer, and a lifelong Texan with deep roots in her community. Her journey into politics was not a sudden decision but a culmination of years of witnessing the challenges and injustices faced by her fellow Texans. As a seventh-generation Texan, Ginsberg’s love for her home state runs deep, shaping her commitment to making it a better place for future generations.
Over her 30-year legal career, she has been the first chair in numerous trials and appeals, handling various civil matters from commercial disputes to environmental claims. Ginsberg’s commitment to public service extends beyond her legal career. She has been an active member of the Dallas community, serving as Vice President of Preston Hollow Democrats and an elected Precinct Chair for the Dallas County Democratic Party. Her volunteer work with the Texas Civil Rights Project, League of Women Voters, and local public school programs underscores her dedication to civic engagement and social justice.
As she campaigns for the 2024 election, Elizabeth Ginsberg’s platform focuses on promoting responsible gun ownership, fully funding public education, restoring reproductive rights, defending democracy, and addressing climate change. She believes in a Texas where everyone can thrive, where public schools are fully funded, and where gun violence is not an everyday fear. Her commitment to these issues is unwavering, driven by her belief that Texans deserve better representation and a brighter future.
Who is she running against?
Morgan Meyer is the Republican incumbent in House District 108. His fellow Republicans have labeled him a “RINO” for being one of the impeachment managers against AG Ken Paxton. Although far-right Republicans, backed by Tim Dunn, attempted to oust him with a primary challenger, he just barely scraped by.
While Meyer seemingly has ticked off half of the Republicans in his district, don’t let the title of “RINO” fool you. He’s just as extreme as the rest of them. On top of that, he has repeatedly shown an unwillingness to work with his peers in the House.
For example:
Meyer’s vote record shows us, time and time again, that he’s willing to vote in line with the Republican’s culture wars, implementing oppressive laws targeting marginalized communities.
Meyer voted in favor of the racist CRT and DEI bans.
He voted in favor of the “Show Me Your Papers” bills.
His votes reflect that he is beholden to the fossil fuel industry and rejects climate science.
Meyer is one of the Republicans who consistently vote to flood our streets with firearms.
His votes against the LGBTQ community have been particularly heinous.
You can see all of his key votes here.
You can also tell a lot about a Republican in Texas by who they take money from. Meyer is no exception.
The above donations are his top donations just from this cycle. Harlan Crow probably stands out the most. Yes, that Harlan Crow. The one who owns Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and whose hobby is collecting Nazi memorabilia.
While Harlan Crow gave Meyer $65,000 this cycle, Crow has given him $120,000 total in the last few years.
Another stand out is his top donor, Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR). TLR gave Meyer $244,000 in this cycle alone but nearly $1 million over his entire political career.
TLR is a Republican cash machine run by Dick Weekley and has pumped millions upon millions of dollars into Republican politics over the last few decades. This organization has pushed for lawsuit reform that favors businesses and harms workers and consumers. Meyer tries to present himself as a “business Republican,” which really means pro-CEO and pro-wealthy, and his votes reflect it.
Like so many other Republicans in the Texas House, Meyer is a multi-millionaire living in the wealthiest zip code in Dallas and prioritizes the needs of special interests over the needs of Texans.
What about this district?
HD108 is interesting because of the racial gerrymandering that was done. It is 76% white and encompasses University Park, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, and some parts of North Dallas.
This district is so interesting because over 77% of residents here have a four-year college degree or higher, compared to the state average of 32%.
Over 35% of this district earns more than $200,000 per year, compared to the state average of 10%.
So, this district is whiter, more educated, and wealthier than most other places in Texas. Republicans gerrymandered it to be a white majority district, but they didn’t count on educated and affluent white voters realigning with Democrats, as they have done in recent years.
Affluent Americans used to vote for Republican politicians. Now, they vote for Democrats. Some political talking heads have suggested that we live through a political realignment of white voters and the educated vs. non-educated.
Based on this district’s precinct-level voting history, the talking heads may be on to something. After redistricting, Republicans only have a 0.8% advantage in HD108.
Considering how hard Dallas County Democrats are working and how we’re likely to see hometown excitement behind Colin Allred, I would say there is an excellent chance Ginsberg can flip this district in November.
Why Elizabeth Ginsberg’s campaign matters.
Elizabeth Ginsberg’s campaign is about more than just winning a seat in the Texas House; it’s about bringing meaningful change to a district held back by extremist policies and an unresponsive incumbent. Her focus on responsible gun ownership, fully funding public education, restoring reproductive rights, defending democracy, and addressing climate change reflects the urgent needs of her constituents.
Ginsberg is not just a candidate but a force for change in HD108. Her extensive legal background, deep community roots, and unwavering commitment to her platform make her the ideal representative for a district ready for progress.
With the Dallas County Democratic Party’s hard work and the momentum she built in 2022, Ginsberg has a strong chance of flipping this district. Her vision for Texas is one where every resident can thrive, free from the fear of gun violence, with access to quality education and healthcare and a commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.
Vote early, vote often, just vote.
You can learn more about Elizabeth Ginsberg on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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:
August 19: Last day for write-in candidates to declare their candidacy.
October 7: Last day to register to vote.
October 21: First day to early vote.
October 25: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot.
November 1: Last day to early vote.
November 5: Election day!
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