Update, 5:26 p.m.: In front of hundreds of boisterous supporters, Wendy Davis, the state senator and Fort Worth Democrat, announced that she’s running for Texas governor.
"All of you deserve to have your voices heard because our future is brightest when it’s lit by everyone’s star," Davis said. "And that’s why today I am proud to announce my candidacy to be the 48th governor of this great state."
Davis spoke for about 15 minutes at the Wiley G. Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City, where she received her high school diploma more than 30 years ago.
During her speech, she promised to fight for more education funding and represent the interests of the middle class and poor. And she criticized the state’s Republican leaders who she says look out for themselves instead of the state.
“Texans deserve better than failed leaders who dole out favors to friends and cronies behind closed doors,” she said.
Just minutes before her 5 p.m. speech, Davis had announced her intentions via text and a tweet.
Here's what else Davis said Thursday afternoon:
- “Texas has waited far too long for a governor who understands that quid pro quo shouldn’t be the status quo.”
- “Real leaders know that real problems deserve real solutions.”
- “It’s time for a leader who will put Texans first and that’s the kind of leader I’ve tried to be.”
Update, 5:17 p.m.: "All of you deserve to have your voices heard because our future is brightest when it’s lit by everyone’s star," Wendy Davis said. "And that’s why today I am proud to announce my candidacy to be the 48th governor of this great state." And with that announcement, the crowd in Haltom City cheered.
Update, 5:05 p.m.: Wendy Davis, the state senator and Fort Worth Democrat, is running for governor, she just announced at a speech in Haltom City. Shortly before 5 p.m., she announced the news via both a text and a tweet. Texas Tribune is offering a live feed of her speech.
Original post: She's expected to announce at 5 p.m. that she’s running for governor. KERA’s Shelley Kofler is at the Wiley G. Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City, where Davis received her high school diploma.
Davis gained national fame over the summer when she filibustered for 11 hours against an abortion bill that would ban most abortions in Texas.
