Celia Israel for Texas State Representative, House District 50

Who am I?

I am a Democratic Activist, a grassroots volunteer, and a community leader. I love my community and I fight to protect it. Asking me not to be involved in the community is like asking me to give up a lung! I've worked as a volunteer for numerous local and state-level campaigns. I've worked for more than 30 years as a volunteer for cause campaigns to promote schools, transportation and non-profits in Central Texas. I am a 31-year resident of Austin, and I've lived in District 50 for the last 13 years. My partner, Celinda Garza and I have been together for 18 years. I am a licensed real estate agent and owner of Mission Resources, a community affairs consulting firm.

Why am I running?

From the moment I began my political involvement working to elect former Texas Governor Ann Richards, I have been fighting for Texans. I am running for office because I want to be a progressive voice for Texans, and I'm ready to help refocus the Texas Legislature. Today the legislature is full of misguided and misplaced priorities, and House District 50 constituents deserve a Representative that is not a novice and knows how the State Legislature works. Recently, Texans have made national news for standing up for what they believe in. I've always known this Texas existed. It just needed some poking and prodding. Texas is not a Red state, it is a non-voting state. I believe we are on the verge of major change and I want to be a part of the change.

My Goals

Properly funding public education. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that restores funding to public education and accounts for growth. I've worked with organizations like GENaustin that help to supplement our under-funded public schools with mentorship programs.

Texas legislators know this has to happen, and I would be one more vote for common sense solutions. Online voter registration, I want to author and help to pass a bill that allows online voter registration. It will save our state money and insure that those who want to vote can vote. I've helped to register voters since my political career began.

Texas must work to maintain and build it's infrastructure for the future of Texas. Our water issues must be addressed and we should aim to conserve more of our resources. TEXDOT is under-funded and lacks the ability to plan for the future. I have worked on local transportation issues and want apply this work in the Texas Legislature. Texas should continue to attract innovated companies, while insuring fair wages for employees.

My DFA Values

Community: As I walk door to door in House District 50, constituents tell me the most important issue they will vote on is education. I agree with them! The Texas Legislature needs to put back the funding they cut from public education and account for population growth.

Security: I'm a transportation junky. Austin has a lot of transportation challenges. My work on the board of the Alliance for Public Transportation has led me to the conclusion that a multimodal Transportation system will reduce congestion, harmful emissions, and help to make our city environmentally responsible.

Liberty: As a woman, as a Latina, and as a lesbian, I believe every citizen deserves to be treated equally. I have fought for equality my whole career and will continue that fight. As a Texas Legislator, I will continue to advocate for equal pay for equal work, equality for the LGBT community, and the protection of sacred voting rights.

My Campaign is People Powered!

As a Democratic activist, who has volunteered and worked on several campaigns, I know that the most important aspect of a campaign is grassroots support. A team of volunteers and I have already knocked on over 5,000 doors in just under a month. I truly value the importance my friends and supporters. My campaign has received over 300 individual donations from our community. These are individuals who are tired of the status quo and are demanding change. With over 300 donors and over 300 public supporters and counting, my campaign is truly grassroots. My supporters and volunteers will continue to help me win this race one door at a time.

Voice support

Supporters:

  • Torsten Knabe, MD
  • Julia Schwartz
  • Andre Treiber, TX
  • Deena Estrada Salinas
  • Max Patterson
  • Panika Dillon
  • Beverly Gray
  • Taryn Stoneking
  • Robert Nunez, TX
  • Joseph Sorenson
...and 25 more.


About the Endorsement Process

The driving force behind all DFA endorsements is our members. We recognize that all politics is local and that what is considered progressive in Los Angeles may be very different from what's considered progressive in Louisville. For this reason, DFA does not have a litmus test of specific progressive positions for which a candidate must stand. Our endorsement is heavily weighted based on these questions:

• Will the candidate move the progressive movement forward in their community?
• Does the candidate have substantial support from our local members?
• Do the candidate's positions and policies fit into the broader progressive movement?
• Is the campaign people-powered and the candidate working to win?

If you have questions, or want to let us know about a candidate in your neighborhood, please call us at (802) 651-3200 or email us at [email protected] .

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