TO: Interested Parties

FROM: Run for Something 

DATE: March 2, 2026

RE: Texas Primaries Showcase Why Run for Something’s Long-Term Benchbuilding Works
 

Tomorrow’s primaries in Texas — which include both high-stakes down-ballot races and a key U.S. Senate primary — promise new insights into how young, progressive local leaders are reshaping the Democratic Party. Run for Something has 22 endorsed candidates on the ballot, people who bring lived experiences as immigrants, an unflinching emphasis on people’s everyday struggles, and deep-rooted connections to their communities. 

Meanwhile, the Texas U.S. Senate primary features more than a preview of the battle for Congress — it showcases how long-term investment in young politicians running for state and local offices can shape the future of the Democratic Party and change what leadership looks like in America. Both State Rep. James Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett are Run for Something alumni, underscoring how the organization’s years of benchbuilding and deep investment in the state are already helping to usher in a wave of young, diverse local leaders and rising stars nationwide.

With momentum coming out of Taylor Rehmet’s major upset (another RFS-endorsed candidate), these races will showcase the future of the Democratic Party — and how long-term sustained investments in authentic candidates can pay off major dividends.

Here are some of the candidates and races we’re watching on Tuesday:

  • Junior Ezeonu, candidate for Texas House District 101 (RFS alumni): Junior was born in Onitsha, Nigeria, and moved to Texas at the age of two. Junior was endorsed by RFS twice in his successful runs for Grand Prairie City Council. In 2021, at the age of 22, he defeated a twelve-year incumbent to become the council’s youngest-ever elected member. In June 2025, at 26, he became the youngest Mayor Pro Tem in the city’s history.
  • Staci Childs, candidate for Texas House District 131 (RFS alumni): An attorney, former Houston ISD Teacher of the Year, and elected member of the Texas State Board of Education, Staci has secured millions for overlooked campuses and refused to back down on the truth in Texas history books. She is running for the Texas House to fight for strong public schools, community health and wellness, and a fair criminal justice system. 
  • Julio Salinas, candidate for Texas House District 41: A longtime community organizer, capitol staffer, and co-chair of the Texas Democratic Party’s Hispanic caucus, Julio is fighting to restore the economic promise of the Rio Grande Valley and bring down the cost of living by investing in public education, expanding Medicaid, and rebuilding trust in the community. The son of an immigrant farm worker, Julio grew up only knowing Spanish – an experience he describes as putting him behind his peers in the classroom and teaching him that the system was not made to uplift bilingual students.
  • Emmanuel Guerrero, candidate for Texas House District 144 (RFS alumni): Emmanuel, a Pasadena native, made history as the youngest person elected as City Councilman for District C in Pasadena. He grew up in a blue-collar family, raised by a single mother, and understands firsthand the challenges many community members face.

Here’s the full list of RFS candidates on the ballot (full bios online here):

  • Adrian Reyna, State House of Representatives, District 125
  • Allison Mitchell, State Representative, District 108
  • Davis Mendoza Darusman, Harris County Justice, Precinct 5, Place 2
  • Dolores Lozano, Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2
  • Emmanuel Guerrero, State Representative, District 144
  • Jordan Brown, State Representative, District 120
  • Josh Reyna, State House of Representatives, District 49
  • Julio Salinas,  State House of Representatives, District 41
  • Junior Ezeonu, State Representative, District 101
  • Kristian Carranza, State Representative, District 118
  • Kristyna Payton Loundy, State Representative, District 28
  • Markia Bordeaux,  Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, Pl 2
  • Michael Adams-Hurta, Appeals Justice, District 14, Place 7
  • Michelle Netsai Butler, Denton County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6
  • Odus Evbagharu, State House, District 135
  • Orlando Lopez, State Representative, District 33
  • Pernell Davis, Harris County District Clerk
  • Priscilla Villarreal, Dallas County Criminal Court, District 9
  • Staci Childs, State House of Representatives, District 131
  • Taylor Rehmet, Texas State Senator, District 9
  • Thomas Ray Garcia, State Board of Education, District 2
  • Tyler Smith, State House of Representatives, District 138

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Run for Something (RFS) recruits and supports young progressive candidates running for state and local offices. Since its founding, RFS has helped elect over 1,600 candidates across the country, including 43 candidates in red-to-blue seats in the 2025 election cycle. Today, RFS has the largest database of any other Democratic organization, with nearly 80,000 people reaching out since last November with interest in running for office.