State Reps Push Primary Votes in East Texas

**Texas Democratic Leaders Stump in Tyler, Urge Early Voting for Local Races**

Tyler, TX – State Representatives James Talarico (D-San Antonio) and Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) visited Tyler on Wednesday, February 26, to rally support for Democratic candidates and encourage early voting ahead of the March 3 primary election. The campaign stop took place at the Smith County Democratic Party office, located at 1104 S. Vine Ave.

Representative Talarico, representing San Antonio's District 118, and Representative Hinojosa, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus and represents Austin's District 49, emphasized the critical importance of voter turnout during the ongoing early voting period, which runs from February 18 through March 1.

The representatives specifically endorsed Sarah Q. Loden for House District 6, with Talarico urging attendees to vote for her. He also expressed support for Richard W. Blaylock in House District 5. Hinojosa highlighted the competitive race in House District 6, noting that four Democratic candidates are vying for the position, while State Senator Kevin Eltife is running unopposed in Senate District 3.

During their remarks, Talarico and Hinojosa addressed several key issues. Talarico criticized the current state of education funding, particularly House Bill 3, stating it has not adequately addressed teacher pay raises and other critical needs. He also voiced strong opposition to school choice vouchers, characterizing them as a mechanism to divert public funds to private institutions rather than genuinely expanding parental choice. Healthcare access was another prominent topic discussed by both representatives.

The visit underscored an effort by state Democratic leaders to galvanize support and increase the number of Democratic candidates elected in East Texas, stressing that local races are foundational for initiating broader change.