United We Dream Action Endorses Lina Hidalgo for Harris County Judge

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Chris Valdez | 713-352-8197 | chris@unitedwedream.org
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Immigrant youth of UWDA: “We can’t vote, but we believe Lina Hidalgo will use her role to protect immigrant youth, our families, and people of color. We are going to do everything we can to turn out voters for Hidalgo.”

Houston, TX – For the first time, immigrant youth of United We Dream Action have announced endorsements in this crucial election and they have a clear message to Harris County voters: YOUR vote could determine whether or not we get deported. So vote for someone who will protect immigrant youth, not Donald Trump, his cronies, and his anti-immigrant agenda.

As a County Judge, Lina Hidalgo would head the Harris County Commissioners Court which governs the county with the largest population in Texas.

“Our members selected candidates who we believe will fight for people of color and immigrants in this country.  Our communities have been resilient in the face of increased danger and racism by Trump and his Republican ‘yes-men.’ With our endorsement of Lina Hidalgo, we will show the Republicans what a champion of our communities looks like,” said Julieta Garibay, Co-Founder of United We Dream Action based in Austin, TX.

“We firmly believe that Lina Hidalgo will use her position to protect immigrants and communities of color against racial profiling law SB 4 and decriminalize poverty, as well as invest in education so that youth can thrive. We’re excited for a future where Harris County becomes a model for standing up to deportation agents and providing fair treatment to all people.”

You can also find the endorsement announcement online on our Twitter.

The Endorsement Process

Jazmin Martinez, from Houston, TX who is a native Texan, child of immigrants, and a member of the UWDA endorsement committee, said:

“I’m proud to be using my voice and my vote in a time when so much is at stake.  I really look forward to Lina Hidalgo leading on expanding legal resources for immigrants in detention, using research-based solutions to address employment discrimination, and saying NO to collaboration between ICE and police.”

UWDA’s members led the endorsement process. To be a part of the local endorsement committees, members  must be constituents of the state and/or district of each race and directly impacted by the policies of the elected officials in power.

  • UWDA questionnaires were sent to to all candidates in key races.
  • Local UWDA members reviewed the response once receiving the questionnaire back, and held interviews with the candidate to ask additional questions.
  • Local members voted to either approve or decline for UWDAction to endorse.
  • Candidates that reach 51% of the members support will be considered endorsed. 

“Many of our members live in mixed status homes with loved ones who can vote, so it’s critical for us to share why we believe these candidates are the right ones for our families  and if they win, we will hold them accountable to our community,”

said Garibay, who recently became a United States citizen and will be voting in her first midterm elections.

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United We Dream Action is the leading national network fighting for dignity and justice led by immigrant youth and allies. We are a dynamic community of thousands of immigrant youth nationwide who build independent political power for those directly impacted by injustice. We organize and take action to win victories so that all people can be safe and thrive.