Texas Together Launches “Texas Challengers” To Compete in Every District Across Texas
After recruiting more than 100 candidates to run in every state and federal race for the first time in Texas history, Texas Democrats now launch this new program to compete in historically uncontested districts and build a coordinated rapid response network of Democratic messengers statewide
DALLAS/FORT WORTH – Today, the Texas Democratic Party’s coordinated campaign Texas Together announced the launch of the Texas Challengers, a statewide initiative focused on supporting Democrats running against Republican candidates. The TDP, Texas Majority PAC, and Powered by People recruited more than 100 candidates to run in historically uncontested districts, filling every race on the ballot with a Democratic challenger for the first time in Texas history.
Now, Texas Together is launching Texas Challengers, a program to support all state legislative and congressional candidates running against Republican incumbents. Texas Together will make investments in paid media, fundraising, and additional training and support to Texas Challengers candidates. A featured cohort of Texas Challengers candidates will also serve as a coordinated rapid response network of Democratic messengers. In addition to campaigning in their own districts, these candidates will travel outside their districts to organize volunteers, support other candidates, and respond rapidly to political developments across the state.
The Texas Challengers are teachers, veterans, small business owners, working parents, healthcare professionals, and community leaders stepping up to run in communities often overlooked by both parties. They are normal people running to represent everyday Texans, not the powerful donor class that currently runs Austin and DC.
“Texas Challengers is about making sure no community in Texas gets written off,” said Kendall Scudder, Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party. “We have been flipping seats up and down the ballot for over a year. We will fight for every seat in November, and we’re proud to support these brave candidates with actual investment, not just talk.”
“We can’t win if we don’t compete,” said Katherine Fischer, Executive Director of Texas Majority PAC. “The Texas Challengers have personally experienced the failures of Republican leadership, and we’re going to make sure that every Texan knows they can make a different choice when they go vote in November. ”
The Texas Challengers initiative is part of Texas Together’s broader $30 million coordinated campaign effort focused on voter registration, organizing, turnout, candidate support, and research infrastructure ahead of the 2026 elections.
About the Texas Democratic Party
Founded in 1846, Texas Democrats continue the march toward re-building a state that acts upon its beliefs - fair wages, affordable housing, universal childcare, a right to accessible and affordable healthcare, and safe communities. A fair shot for all - that’s what drove our Texas forefathers to build this great state, and that is what drives us today. A belief that no matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from, or who you love - if you work hard in Texas, you can make it. Texas Democrats have never shied away from big, bold ideas. From Lyndon B. Johnson to Henry B. Gonzalez to Barbara Jordan to Ann Richards and today’s Democratic champions, Texas Democrats will fight to uphold the landmark programs, policies, and institutions that make Texas work for all Texans. For more information go to: https://www.texasdemocrats.org
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