Texas runoffs: Michelle Vallejo declares victory in congressional primary

Alton, Texas - Community organizer and progressive congressional candidate Michelle Vallejo declared victory on Wednesday in the closely watched Texas-15 Democratic primary runoff, but her challenger has yet to concede.

Michelle Vallejo declared victory in the Texas-15 Democratic primary runoff on Wednesday night.
Michelle Vallejo declared victory in the Texas-15 Democratic primary runoff on Wednesday night.  © Michelle Vallejo for Congress

"I am so proud of all that we have accomplished and with final results coming in, I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for Texas’ 15th Congressional District," Vallejo wrote on Twitter.

Her announcement came over a week after the election, which took place on May 24.

She was ahead by just 33 votes on Wednesday night!

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Vallejo, a community organizer and Alton native, has pledged to fight for Medicare for All, minimum wage increases, expanded education access, and immigration reform. She was one of a number of exciting young, female progressive candidates who emerged in Texas this cycle.

In the runoff, Vallejo was up against Ruben Ramirez, who has been endorsed by the conservative Blue Dog PAC.

Ramirez hasn't conceded defeat since Vallejo's announcement.

Vallejo closes the gap

In the primary in March, Ramirez gained 28.3% of the vote, while Vallejo secured 20.3%, according to CNN. Vallejo's success in closing the gap and even coming out on top shows the strength of her organizing and community outreach – skills she will need as she takes on Republican nominee Monica de la Cruz in the general in November.

Republicans are looking to Texas-15 as an opportunity to make further inroads in South Texas. While De la Cruz is hoping to turn the district red, Vallejo is confident her message will speak to enough voters to keep the seat blue.

Counties have until the end of day on Thursday to report their final election numbers, after which candidates can request a recount.

Cover photo: Michelle Vallejo for Congress

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