Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to sit down with one of the newest member of the Blue Horizon Action Fund's Board of Directors, Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin.
Check out our conversation with Rep. Goodwin below....
Hi Rep. Goodwin! We have just a few questions we'd love your take on...
What's motivated you the most when it comes to serving on the Blue Horizon Action Fund Board of Directors?
I met Claire and Stephanie when we were all running for office, and could tell they were just as passionate as I am about changing the state for the better. We share common values: supporting our public schools, wanting people to have access to affordable health care, providing equal opportunities to all, being inclusive and caring about diversity. The Blue Horizon Action Fund's mission to help other candidates navigate the world of campaigns and politics resonates with me. And their desire to educate people about running for office is so important.
Could you please tell us a little more about who you are and how you got your start in politics?
I am a mom, a wife, a business owner, and I'm proud to represent everyone living in House District 47 in the Texas Lege. I am passionate about providing a strong public education system to give people opportunities. I believe in policy that looks out for the greater good, not self-serving.
As a young adult, I saw my mom run for and serve on the Dallas Independent School District Board, and that stirred my interest in government and leadership. I also saw both my parents operate their own businesses, which led me to do the same.
In 2016, when Trump won, I was shaken and upset, and decided it was time for me to do more than just help other candidates run for office, I needed to run for office myself. Now, I'm serving my third term in the Texas State House, representing the people of Texas House District 47.
In 2018, Rep. Goodwin, you successfully flipped a Texas House seat blue, defeating a longtime Republican incumbent.
What advice do you have for the candidates in the Blue Horizon candidate community who are looking to do the same this year?
I was told the candidate who works the hardest will win the election. It’s hard to know the exact balance of calling donors, knocking on doors, and attending events, and it’s all important. Do as much as you can, and remember why you’re doing it. The campaign trail can be overwhelming at times, and you have to take care of yourself. Your goal as a candidate is to win the election, and even if you don’t, you should know you’ve done everything in your power to make a difference.
We've heard from a number of would-be Democratic voters in red and rural Texas districts, expressing concerns that their votes might not matter in the upcoming November elections.
What do you think might help change this perspective?
Even in historically red Texas districts, every vote counts — especially when it comes to statewide elections. Who we have as Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General impact Texans’ lives as much as, or more than, an individual House member or Senator or even US President. So yes, every vote counts and is crucial to turning the tides in Texas!
What do you think is at stake this election when it comes to the Texas Legislature?
The biggest issue at stake in the 2024 election cycle is whether or not the Texas Legislature passes a voucher program, or scam as many of us call it, next session. Will we privatize our school system? Will we allow the continued underfunding of our neighborhood public schools?
Also at stake is whether we continue down a path of ignoring separation of church and state (Ten Commandments in all classrooms and Bible teaching in schools) and a rollback of all the work done to move toward equality (removing DEI programs and canceling scholarships for students of color). Will women have the right to determine their own fate and make very personal health care decisions without government officials making the decision for them?
Ultimately, the stakes are extremely high this year, and what hangs in the balance is who we want to be as Texans and what our state's future will look like. Will we spend time planning for the future (water needs, energy needs, good paying jobs, etc.), or will we continue to divert attention away using culture war issues (abortion, transgender, DEI, etc.)?
The main focus of the Blue Horizon Action Fund is building a pipeline of strong local progressive leaders so that Texas voters have a meaningful choice each election, particularly in areas of Texas where many races have been uncontested in the past.
Why do you think that's so important when it comes to growing a Blue Texas?
It is important to have Democrats talking about the values we share in all parts of the state, including rural areas. In uncompetitive races, citizens miss out on hearing about the choices they have on a variety of issues. Building a pipeline of candidates who start at the local level and build up to higher office is essential for a strong democracy with checks and balances. We have had Republicans running the state for thirty years, and we are seeing the devastating results of that imbalance of power.
To get back into balance, we need Democrats to run for office throughout the state — starting with city, county and school board races. These candidates will have a platform from which to talk about shared values and solutions to the issues of the day.
Special thank you to Rep. Goodwin for participating in our Q&A series.
Folks like Rep. Goodwin are leading the way when it comes to growing a bluer Texas. We feel so lucky to have her wisdom and expertise and we can't wait to see what the Blue Horizon Action Fund accomplishes this year!And none of our work would be possible without supporters like you, Claire. If you're able, we're going to need everyone reading this to pitch in right now so that our team has the resources to support our Blue Horizon candidates from now all the way through Election Day.
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