The Rising Stars of Lone Star Politics
Texas flag flying
In recent years, Texas has witnessed a shift in its political landscape, with a surge in the number of young candidates stepping into the arena. These young leaders, many of whom are driven by a desire to enact progressive change, are challenging the traditional political norms of the state. These young candidates are not just running for office; they are redefining what it means to be a politician in Texas.
For decades, Texas politics has been dominated by a certain kind of politician: older, often male, and typically conservative. But as Texas undergoes rapid demographic changes—urbanization, a growing Latino population, and an influx of younger residents—the state's electorate is evolving. This new voter base is more diverse, more progressive, and more eager for change, thus urging candidates who reflect these values to enter the political stage. Many young people in Texas feel that their voices are not being adequately represented by the older, more established political figures, and they are taking matters into their own hands. These candidates, many of whom are millennials or from Generation Z, bring a fresh perspective to the Texas political landscape. They are deeply connected to the issues that resonate with younger voters such as climate change, social justice, healthcare, and education reform.
Jessica Cisneros 2022, Instagram
In the 2020 election cycle, several young candidates gained attention for their progressive platforms such as Jessica Cisneros, who, at the age of 26, ran a primary campaign against long-time incumbent moderate Representative Henry Cuellar in Texas's 28th Congressional District. Cisneros, a human rights lawyer and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, advocated for policies like Medicare for All and a $15 minimum wage. Although she narrowly lost, her campaign energized young voters and highlighted the growing influence of progressives in Texas.
Greg Casar attends a pro-Palestine protest at The University of Texas at Austin on April 25, 2024.
Similarly, in 2022, 32-year-old Greg Casar, a former Austin City Council member and a progressive activist with the Workers Defense Project, won the House seat for the 35th Congressional District. Casar, who ran on a platform of workers' rights, environmental justice, and immigration reform, represents a new generation of leaders who are unafraid to challenge the establishment and advocate for change.
Texas Capitol, Austin, Texas
In addition to Casar and Cisneros, Averie Bishop and Isaiah Martin have also emerged as prominent figures in this movement. Bishop, a 28-year-old activist and the first Asian American woman to win Miss Texas, announced her candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives in District 112. Her platform focuses on issues such as education reform, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform. Bishop’s candidacy is particularly significant given the underrepresentation of Asian Americans in Texas politics. Isaiah Martin, another rising star, is a 26-year-old community organizer and student leader running for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 13. Martin, who has been active in the fight for social justice and racial equality, advocates for policies like affordable housing, education equity, and police reform. His campaign is rooted in the belief that the younger generation must take an active role in shaping the future, particularly in addressing the systemic issues that have long plagued marginalized communities.
Another influential figure among young Texas politicians is James Talarico, who was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2018 at just 29 years old. Representing District 50, Talarico has quickly become known for his progressive stance on issues such as education, healthcare, and workers' rights while having a strong Christian background which baffles Fox News hosts and alt-right conservatives. A former middle school teacher, Talarico has made education reform a central focus of his legislative work, advocating for increased funding for public schools and better pay for teachers. His success in a traditionally conservative state exemplifies the growing appeal of young, progressive candidates in Texas.
The rise of young candidates is already having a noticeable impact on Texas politics. For one, they are pushing the Democratic Party in Texas to embrace more progressive policies and move away from the centrist strategies that have dominated the party's approach in the state. This shift is evident in the increasing number of candidates running on platforms that include issues like climate action, healthcare reform, and social justice, reflecting the priorities of younger voters. Furthermore, these young candidates are contributing to the diversification of political representation in Texas.
Many of them come from diverse backgrounds, bringing perspectives that have been historically underrepresented in the state's political discourse. This includes women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and first-generation Americans, all of whom offer unique insights and advocate for policies that address the needs of all Texans. As more young candidates enter the political stage, the long-term implications for Texas politics could be profound. As these leaders demonstrate that progressive policies can resonate even in red states, they may pave the way for a new generation of politicians who are willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for a government that is truly by the people, for all the people.
