Editor’s note: Rochelle Garza lost her race by a margin of 9.7%; through our readers, Blue Tent raised $5,549 for Hodge. To see how other Blue Tent recommended candidates performed this cycle, read our full 2022 midterms rundown.
While Texas gubernatorial candidate (and Gen X political heartthrob) Beto O’Rourke has been breaking fundraising records despite having a slim chance of defeating incumbent Greg Abbott, Rochelle Garza has been struggling to raise money. Garza is running against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was indicted on securities fraud charges years ago and who has a long record of unethical behavior. Getting Paxton out of office is possible, and it’s unfair Garza hasn’t drawn as much money from donors as she should.
Blue Tent views giving to Garza's campaign as a high priority. Below, we explore three key questions that small and medium donors should answer before supporting candidates. (See how we evaluate candidates.)
Is this election important?
Paxton is just such an awful excuse for a public servant, and his position as AG of a large state is so undeserved, that getting him out should be a priority. Even if Democrats don’t win any other statewide office this cycle (they probably won’t), there’s enough independent power vested in the AG position that a Garza victory would be a major policy win. And it would also raise her profile and make her a viable candidate for governor or senator down the line. The first Democrat to win a statewide election in Texas in modern times will be a rock star.
Can Garza win?
Maybe? A University of Texas poll had Paxton with only a narrow lead with a lot of undecided voters. Sabato’s Crystal Ball calls the race “competitive.” That’s pretty good by Texas standards!
Does she need money?
This is a very lopsided fundraising battle at present. Paxton is a star in Republican circles and has raised over $10 million, while Garza has raised just over $2.7 million. This is a spot where one candidate’s massive money advantage could pretty much decide the election. Garza is one of the few viable Democratic candidates for major office who is obviously and severely underfunded, and Blue Tent rates her a high priority.