AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s been greater than twenty years since a Democrat has gained the workplace of Texas Attorney General. Democratic voters will head to the polls for the first runoff election to decide on a candidate they hope can finish that streak. The runoff race pits former ACLU lawyer Rochelle Garza in opposition to Joe Jaworski, a former mayor of Galveston.
Jaworski stated his three many years of expertise as a trial lawyer makes him probably the most certified candidate. He emphasised eager to refocus the workplace towards client safety, particularly working to carry personal well being care insurance coverage corporations to account.
Garza, a Brownsville native, highlights herself as somebody who “deeply understands” Texas working households and the problems they care about — particularly relating to Texans’ grievances with the well being care system.
See election outcomes on this race beneath beginning at 7 p.m.
Garza pointed to a case she gained earlier than the U.S. Supreme Court as proof she will be able to have success in main authorized battles. In Azar v. Garza, she represented a teenage, undocumented immigrant in U.S. custody who was denied entry to abortion.
“I’m the only one that has been able to reinforce reproductive rights,” Garza stated. “With Roe [Roe v. Wade] at risk this summer, we’re going to need someone like that. We’re going to need someone like me, a champion who knows how to fight these cases … knows how to ensure that we protect civil rights.”
Her case earlier than the excessive court docket resulted within the “Garza notice,” a requirement that youngsters in immigration custody have to be knowledgeable of their proper to entry abortion.
“I think we’re all substantially on the same page when it comes to the major ticket items that appear on cable news every night. But my specific request to Democratic voters is restore the Texas Attorney General’s Office to that of a consumer protection law firm,” Jaworski stated.
“If Democrats want to win in November, then I’m going to respectfully suggest that they support Joe Jaworski, an attorney who not only will get every Democrat to vote, as Ms. Garza may be able to say, but also moderate Republicans and independents,” Jaworski added.
Garza stated her vote rely makes her assured Texans will select her in May.
“We pulled in over 400,000 votes, more than double the next two opponents. The people of Texas are saying something. They’re saying that they’re ready for representation; they’re ready for a woman to take on this position, a Latina,” Garza stated.