Target Race Launch: DLCC Announces Additional Slate of House Targets in Texas

Gaining seats in the Texas House is a top priority for the DLCC this November

WASHINGTON—Today, the DLCC announced an additional slate of Target Races in Texas, announcing 12 state House candidates to build power in the chamber and push back on Republicans’ extreme agenda. The launch of these 12 Target Race candidates follows the DLCC’s announcement of our first 50 Target Races, which included three Texas candidates.

The GOP scheme to lock themselves into a permanent U.S. House majority began last summer with redistricting in Texas, and it is crucial to build Democrats’ ability to combat future power grabs by Republicans – especially as the Texas GOP careens further to the right with Ken Paxton’s recent primary win.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“As the Texas GOP rallies around Ken Paxton and an extreme slate of MAGA candidates up and down the ballot, we are ready to make big gains for Democrats in the Texas legislature. The DLCC has helped Texas Democrats defy the odds all cycle long – from historic candidate recruitment to a shocking special election upset – and we’re now harnessing grassroots momentum to build Democratic power in the legislature. The DLCC is proud to partner with these Target Race candidates who are laser-focused on bringing down costs for Texans and gradually changing the face of power in Texas.”

The DLCC’s latest slate of Texas House Target Races includes: 

• Stephanie Guerrero Sáenz (HD-34)
• Oziel “Ozzie” Ochoa Jr. (HD-37)
• Julio Salinas (HD-41)
• Chris Jimenez (HD-52)
• Brittany Black (HD-61)
• Jordan Wheatley (HD-67)
• Katie O’Brien Duzan (HD-94)
• Allison Mitchell (HD-108)
• Zach Herbert (HD-112)
• Zack Dunn (HD-121)
• Josh Wallenstein (HD-133)
• Tyler Smith (HD-138)

This builds on our slate of Texas House Target Races announced in April:

• Mihaela Plesa (HD-70)
• Eddie Morales (HD-74)
• Kristian Carranza (HD-118)

The DLCC is working directly with these Target Race candidates and the Texas House Democratic Caucus to deliver support and resources for data, research, polling, paid communication, and direct voter contact. Texas Democrats recently announced full candidate recruitment for the first time in modern history and have clinched upset wins, like Taylor Rehmet’s flip in the Fort Worth area. The DLCC has the strategy and Target Map to capitalize on the once-in-a-generation opportunity to build greater Democratic state legislative power in Texas and across the country.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) leads the national strategy to secure Democratic power in our state legislatures. We are the campaign arm for more than 3,000 state legislators and thousands of candidates across all 50 states who are advancing Democratic values and standing up to the dangerous MAGA agenda every single day. Over the last decade, our work has flipped 10 new chamber majorities. Those new majorities have ensured Democrats in state legislatures are positioned to protect our democracy and fundamental rights, while addressing the high cost of living and advancing opportunities. The DLCC’s national strategy and target map continue to pinpoint the most efficient paths to Democratic power across all 50 states.