Austin, TX – Today, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes (PPTV) announces its first round of 2022 Primary Election endorsements. This announcement comes as the worst abortion ban in the country remains in effect in Texas – Senate Bill 8. These endorsed candidates, some of which are listed below, are in some of the state's most closely watched elections and have pledged to fight to restore reproductive rights and access to abortion in Texas. A more complete list can be found here.
PPTV Endorsed Candidates Include:
● Beto O’Rourke, Governor
● Susan Hays, Agriculture Commissioner
● Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge
● Ruben Cortez, HD 37
● Becca DeFelice, HD 121
● Josey Garcia, HD 124
● Candis Houston, HD 142
The PPTV board of directors assesses candidate positions on a variety of reproductive health issues including access to birth control, evidence-based sex education, and safe, legal abortion. Endorsement decisions are based on a combination of voting records for incumbents, responses to candidate questionnaires, screening interviews and publicly stated positions.
2021 was the worst year on record for access to abortion and reproductive health care in Texas. During the Texas legislative session, lawmakers passed the six-week abortion ban with an unprecedented private cause of action, leading to a drastic reduction in the number of patients able to access abortion in the state and forcing patients to travel hundreds of miles to access basic care. This law has been allowed to stand by a judicial system that refuses to ensure the right to access abortion for the people of Texas.
As a result, advocates for abortion access have been galvanized around the state and across the country. Texans are demanding elected officials and candidates stand strong in support of their health and rights.
Statement by Drucilla Tigner, Deputy Director, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
“2022 will be the most important election for access to abortion in a generation. With abortion banned at six-weeks gestation in Texas and a Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, now is the time to fight like never before. This election cycle, we are channeling our energy into candidates we know are committed to restoring abortion access and will demand our fundamental rights be protected. PPTV is engaging voters to shift the balance of power in Texas to create a state that finally reflects the values of the people who live here.”
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Planned Parenthood Texas Votes (PPTV) is the nonpartisan policy, advocacy and political arm for Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas.
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