Texas Democrats Pledge to Put Texas First in Wake of Abbott’s Back the Blue Challenge

In response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s “Texas Backs the Blue Pledge” this week, Texas Democrats have offered their own. The Texas Democrat Party put forth their “Texas First Pledge,” which asks candidates to promise the following:

I’ll defend the millions of Texans with pre-existing conditions and condemn the lawsuit that would rip health care away during a pandemic.

I’ll defend our public health by following the recommendations of medical experts and scientists when it comes to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’ll defend Texas children’s right to a safe, quality education.

I’ll defend the brave American’s who served in our armed forces by condemning anyone who calls them “suckers” and losers”.

I’ll defend the safety and security of our communities by condemning those who spread racism, violence, and fear.

– Texas First Pledge, Texas Democrats

Gov. Abbott challenged all Texas candidates to sign his “Texas Backs the Blue Pledge” this week, which would commit them to oppose defunding Texas police departments.

“I sign this Texas Backs the Blue Pledge to oppose any efforts to defund the police and to show my support for the brave law enforcement officers who risk their lives to protect and serve. Defunding our police departments would invite crime into our communities and put people in danger. That is why I pledge to support any measure that discourages or stops efforts to defund police departments in Texas. Our law enforcement officers have our backs every single day, and we need to show them that Texans have their backs. #TexasBacksTheBlue”

– Texas Backs the Blue Pledge, Gov. Greg Abbott

The Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee released their own pledge.

Democratic candidates, like Jennifer Skidonenko, challenger in HD 106, and State Representative Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) made took the pledge, while Texans everywhere called for Abbott and incumbent Senator John Cornyn to take it as well.