As first reported by the Texas Tribune, former Texas state senator Wendy Davis is seriously considering a bid for the U.S. House. This is a surprise to some, as many thought she’d run for the Senate in 2020. But her rationale, as explained in a recent podcast, is pretty sound.
Before we get into her current political options, let’s do a quick review of why Davis became nationally prominent. In 2013, she became a household name for her 11-hour filibuster on a bill that would have severely restricted abortion access in Texas. Specifically, the legislation would have banned abortion after 20 weeks. It also would have required all abortion clinics to have admitting privileges.
The legislation passed, and then was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2016. In 2014, Davis ran for Texas governor, then founded Deeds Not Words. The latter is a nonprofit that helps young women begin political careers.
The former Democratic nominee for governor clarified her position in a podcast, The Rabble: TX Politics for the Unruly Mob, which aired on Friday, saying, "I'm looking very seriously at Congressional District 21" for the House.
What’s so important about District 21? Democrats almost flipped it blue last year, and it’s traditionally been Republican territory.