As first reported by the Texas Tribune, former Texas state senator Wendy Davis is seriously considering a bid for the U.S. House. This is a surprise to some, as many thought she’d run for the Senate in 2020. But her rationale, as explained in a recent podcast, is pretty sound.
Before we get into her current political options, let’s do a quick review of why Davis became nationally prominent. In 2013, she became a household name for her 11-hour filibuster on a bill that would have severely restricted abortion access in Texas. Specifically, the legislation would have banned abortion after 20 weeks. It also would have required all abortion clinics to have admitting privileges.
The legislation passed, and then was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2016. In 2014, Davis ran for Texas governor, then founded Deeds Not Words. The latter is a nonprofit that helps young women begin political careers.
The former Democratic nominee for governor clarified her position in a podcast, The Rabble: TX Politics for the Unruly Mob, which aired on Friday, saying, "I'm looking very seriously at Congressional District 21" for the House.
What’s so important about District 21? Democrats almost flipped it blue last year, and it’s traditionally been Republican territory.
For frame of reference, TXI-21 reaches from Austin to San Antonio. It also extends into Hill Country. Along with five other districts that Republicans have had a stronghold of, Democrats are pretty eagerly targeting it for a flip.
Is this realistic? Republican Chip Roy won in November against Democrat Joseph Kopser. But only by 3 percentage points. This time Kosper isn’t running for the seat, and in fact, isn’t running for any elected office in 2020. So Davis thinks it’s her move.
"Joseph Kopser gave a valiant effort [in 2018] — worked so, so hard and came very, very close," Davis explained on the podcast. "Can we do it for 2020? I want to make sure that we have the ability to win it, and I believe we do. And, I want to believe I'm the right person to help us do that."
Who does Davis see taking on Republicans in the Senate? U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro.
"There's a reason, for example, that I made a decision not to run in this U.S. Senate seat against John Cornyn," Davis continued. "I've been very candid in the fact that my dear friend Joaquin Castro who I'd like to see run. We may have others run in the primary, but I really want to see him on the ballot."
For context, Castro is the brother of former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro. Why is he important? Oh, he’s running for president. Among other things, he has some seriously amazing hopes for immigration reform.
In terms of her own race, Davis is leaning towards pragmatism. Basically: Does she think she can win?
"I'm trying to take a really pragmatic look at that," Davis explained. "I want to make sure that we have the ability to win it, and I believe we do, and I want to believe I'm the right person to help us do that. Because for me, more important than anything, is that we have Democrats winning these seats — not necessarily that it be me."
She’s hoping to reveal her decision in the next month or so.