Wendy Davis Is Running for Congress

After weeks of speculation – and a stumbling leak last week – former state Sen. Wendy Davis announced (via a campaign video) that she will indeed be running for Congress in District 21. "I'm running for our children and grandchildren …"

Wendy Davis (Photo by Jana Birchum)

The announcement had been expected for some time, although Davis reflexively responded to questions about her decision with, "Soon." Then last week, an aide to Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, told a reporter that Davis is indeed running.

If nominated in the March Democratic primary, Davis would be challenging GOP freshman incumbent Chip Roy. Currently, two other Democrats have filed for the nomination: Jennie Lou Leeder and Bruce Boville. A few weeks ago, Leeder told the Chronicle she would remain in the race if Davis entered; Boville has said that he would leave the field to Davis.

The Texas Tribune commented today, "The potential Davis-Roy matchup is likely to be among the most polarizing races the state has seen in recent years. Davis is a fierce national advocate for abortion rights, while Roy has built his reputation in his first six months in Congress as a conservative firebrand."

Tomorrow in D.C., Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several other prominent Democrats, including members of the Texas delegation, will be hosting a fundraising reception for Davis and her campaign.

"I've learned that I'm at my best when I'm fighting for people," Davis says in her announcement video. "… We are not stopping anytime soon."