BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Some Rio Grande Valley candidates running in the March primaries are getting a boost to their campaigns through endorsements from political action committees.
Perhaps the candidate that has garnered the most endorsements in Ruben Ramirez, the veteran, attorney and educator who is running for the open Congressional District 15 seat.
Ramirez, a Democrat, has been endorsed by the McAllen chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and VoteVets Political Action Committee. VoteVets the largest group of progressive veterans in the country.
Ruben RamirezThe chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus is U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, from Arizona’s 7th Congressional District.
“Ruben Ramirez is a dedicated public servant and fighter for his community,” Gallego said. “He has been called to service in the classroom, the courtroom, and the battlefield in Afghanistan. I know that he will serve our Congress with the same honor, integrity and dedication. That is why I am proud to support him in his run for Congress.”
Ramirez responded: “I am so proud to receive Congressman Gallego’s endorsement. He is a proven fighter for all that we value most – not only in our armed services, but in Congress. He has stood up and fought for good jobs, quality affordable health care, and a strong national defense time and time again. I could not be more proud to have him on our team.”
Ramirez is the only licensed teacher on the ballot for CD 15. He says teaching chemistry and physics at Edinburg High School was one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of his life.
“It’s an honor to earn the endorsement of the McAllen American Federation of Teachers and our hard-working South Texas teachers,” Ramirez said. “Some of the most rewarding experiences of my life have been during my years as a high school science teacher, mentoring our next generation and setting them on the path to build the bright futures they deserve. As educators, my wife and I both know how important it is that teachers have the resources they need so every child receives an exceptional education. I will fight for our students, schools, and teachers every day in Congress.”
Jon Soltz is an Iraq War veteran and chair of VoteVets. Speaking about his group’s endorsement of Ramirez, Soltz said: “Giving back to community and country is the constant theme in Ruben’s life, and it’s why he’ll be a great representative of the people of the Rio Grande Valley.”
Soltz added: “From becoming a teacher in his hometown to give kids what they need to lead successful lives, to volunteering to serve and go to war in Afghanistan, Ruben’s life has been about helping and protecting his community and his country. Especially as we see the ugliness from those in Congress who continue to attack this country and our Constitution, having people like Ruben in Congress is more important than ever.”
Ramirez enlisted in the U.S. Army to join the war in Afghanistan. He was recognized with a battlefield promotion and a Bronze Star Ramirez. Ramirez said he was honored to secure the VoteVets endorsement.
“I am running to serve all the constituents of this district, and ensure that no family gets left behind in their pursuit of the American Dream. My time in uniform was a foundational experience for me, and nothing is more foundational to service members than the credo ‘no man left behind.’ I am glad to have my fellow veterans ‘watching my six’ during the course of this campaign, just like I will be looking out for the interests of South Texans and fellow veterans when I am elected and serving as their member of Congress.”
Also running for CD 15 is attorney and small business owner John Villarreal Rigney, a Democrat. He has been publicly endorsed by two former candidates, Dr. Ivan Melendez and attorney Roberto Haddad.
John Villarreal Rigney“I support John Villarreal Rigney and urge everyone in our community to…vote for someone who is going to stand up for our community in Washington,” said Melendez, the current Hidalgo County Health Authority.
Melendez briefly announced a run for Congress in Texas’ 15th District last year. “I was very impressed with him and thought he was the most competitive candidate on the field,” Melendez said.
Haddad is vice president and counsel for government affairs and policy for DHR Health. Haddad previously worked with U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, who held the CD 15 seat for many years.
“Today I am endorsing John Villarreal Rigney because I think he is going to be the best candidate and the best Congressman, to represent the 15th District of South Texas,” Haddad said.
Villarreal Rigney responded: “I am grateful to have the support of Roberto Haddad and Dr. Melendez. I have long respected Mr. Haddad’s work to increase access to healthcare for South Texans, and his experience working with Congressman Ruben Hinojosa and his endorsement reaffirms my belief that I can be a good servant to this community. Dr. Melendez’s leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been invaluable, and I am honored to have his endorsement.”
Brownsville attorney Erin Gamez, a Democrat, is running for the open Texas House District 38 seat. Gamez has just learned she has been endorsed by Annie’s List Political Action Committee, an organization dedicated to electing pro-women’s rights, progressive Texas women.
Erin Gamez“The Texas Legislature desperately needs the leadership of Texas women. Annie’s List is proud to support a slate of diverse candidates who are championing community care through strong leadership,” said Royce Brooks, executive director of Annie’s List.
"Erin has worked to spur economic development and close the opportunity gap for Texas women, Annie's List is proud to support this community leader and fighter for the working class.”
Gamez said she was thrilled to receive the support of such an important group.
“I’m excited that Annie’s List has chosen to invest in South Texas leadership, I promise to serve the needs of all Texans,” Gamez said.
“Today is not the time to be on the sidelines, our communities are in need. People deserve fair pay, equal access to opportunity, and relief from hardship. As State Representative, I vow to work for working-class Texans.”
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has moved from Congressional District 15, anchored in Hidalgo County, to Congressional District 34, anchored in Cameron County.
Gonzalez has just won the endorsement of the Texas AFL-CIO. In response, he said: “Working families are the backbone of South Texas. I am humbled and honored to receive the endorsement of the Texas AFL-CIO. Union membership has led to higher wages, better work conditions and a brighter future for South Texas working families. I look forward to continuing to work with the Texas AFL-CIO to bring economic opportunity to our community.”
Gonzalez told the Rio Grande Guardian that the endorsement that could mean the most in CD 34 is that of its retiring congressman, Filemon Vela.
He said he was pleased to receive it. “I'm honored to have earned the support of Congressman Vela,” Gonzalez said.
Vela said: “Congressman Gonzalez has been a champion for the Rio Grande Valley, delivering billions of dollars to our communities. I know that as the representative for TX-34, he will continue advocating for working families in South Texas which is why I have proudly endorsed him for Congress in TX-34.”
Alex DominguezAnother candidate to earn the endorsement of the Texas AFL-CIO is state Senate District 27 candidate Alex Dominguez.
“I am humbled and honored that the Texas AFL-CIO has recognized my state legislative success for every day working people and endorsed me and my campaign for Senate District 27. Having the support of thousands of their members will truly impact this race,” Dominguez told the Rio Grande Guardian.
Dominguez is a Brownsville-based attorney and currently state representative for Texas House District 37.
Dominguez gave up the opportunity of running for re-election when Senate District 27 became open. SD 27 is open because longtime senator, Eddie Lucio, Jr., announced he would not be running for re-election at the next election.
Early Voting begins on Monday, February 14th and runs through Friday, February 25th. Election Day is Tuesday, March 1st.
Editor's Note: The main image accompanying the above news story shows U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (Credit: Steve Taylor/RGG).
Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian would like to hear from all candidates that have received endorsements. Please send information on the endorsements to: staylor@riograndeguardian.com and mmoreno@riograndeguardian.com.
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