Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis attracted national attention with her now-infamous 13-hour filibuster against a bill intended to restrict abortions in the state. While a second attempt at passage superseded her efforts, Davis' much-covered political demonstration has made her a progressive superstar. Today, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., she delivered a speech and spoke to media, shining light on her future aspirations.
While much speculation has been made about her star-power and how it might translate into a run for higher office, according to Politico, in the near-term, Davis only has eyes for two positions -- and neither of which are national in scope.
Texas State Sen. Wendy David (D) talks with guests at the head table before speaking at the National Press Club August 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. Davis, who entered the national spotlight after holding a filibuster on a Texas abortion bill, spoke on the political climate in Texas and Washington during her remarks. Credit: Getty Images
"I can say with absolute certainty that I will run for one of two offices: my state senate seat or for the governor," she said of her electoral prospects.
Davis said she's still deciding what she'll do, but she told Politico that she can't hold off too long, as a run for Texas governor would be a massive undertaking -- one that requires planning.
"I gotta get my final decision made soon," she added.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 05: Texas State Sen. Wendy David (D) speaks at the National Press Club August 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. Davis, who entered the national spotlight after holding a filibuster on a Texas abortion bill, spoke on the political climate in Texas and Washington during her remarks. Credit: Getty Images
If she does decide to run, Davis may have an uphill battle. NPR notes that Texas isn't necessarily favorable ground for Democratic governors -- likely one reason why the political star may be treading lightly when it comes to making a decision:
There hasn't been a Democrat in the Texas governor's office since 1995, when Ann Richards turned over the keys to George W. Bush.In the 2012 election cycle, the state ranked first in the nation in total money contributed to Republicans — in excess of $171.5 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Texans gave just under $60 million to Democrats.
That's just one example of how Republicans, and GOP money, dominates the state.
Texas State Sen. Wendy David (D) speaks at the National Press Club August 5, 2013 in Washington, DC. Davis, who entered the national spotlight after holding a filibuster on a Texas abortion bill, spoke on the political climate in Texas and Washington during her remarks. Credit: Getty Images
The Washington Post notes that Davis also remained open to a vice-presidential run in 2016 alongside Hillary Clinton. Through a smile, though, she said, "We’ll have to find out whether Hillary is planning to run for president first ... I think Hillary has a chance to do just about anything she sets her mind to."
An advertisement on the National Press Club website published before today's address noted that Davis planned to discuss the "political climate in Texas and Washington and her future plans" -- clear evidence that she's carefully considering a future beyond the state Senate.
(H/T: Politico)
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