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Averie Bishop, the previous Miss Texas who has spoken out in opposition to state GOP leaders, introduced Tuesday she is difficult state Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson.
The 26-year-old Bishop mentioned she would run as a Democrat for House District 112, a perennially aggressive district in northeast Dallas County.
“I know what it’s like to grow up in a small town and never see leaders who looked like me, let alone who fought for me,” Bishop mentioned in a remark. “It’s time for the next generation of Texans to lead — to protect our state’s environment and economy, to safeguard our schools and our right to education, and to truly represent the majority of this great state.”
Bishop used to be the primary Asian contestant to change into Miss Texas within the festival’s 85-year historical past. She mentioned she will be the first Filipino American to serve within the Legislature.
Button may be Asian American, an immigrant from Taiwan whose folks fled communist China.
As Miss Texas 2022, Bishop used to be unusually vocal for a pageant winner in regards to the path of the state, criticizing Republican management on problems with abortion, weapons and race. She has accrued a big following on social media, boasting 841,000 fans on TikTok.
This seems to be Bishop’s first run for public place of business.
Bishop emerged as a most likely candidate for District 112 remaining week, submitting a marketing campaign treasurer appointment for the seat that allowed her to start out elevating cash.
Button, who has served within the House since 2009, is a veteran of difficult campaigns. In 2020, she gained reelection through lower than 300 votes, whilst President Joe Biden carried her district through 9 proportion issues.
Redistricting made the district redder. Under the brand new limitations, Biden would have misplaced the district through lower than 1 level. Even so, Button defeated her Democratic challenger remaining yr through 10 issues.
Button chairs the House International Relations and Economic Development Committee.
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