Lupe Valdez in 2018 TX Governor's race
On Budget & Economy:
Economy should provide security & opportunity
This is about an economy that provides economic security, opportunity and inclusivity. Anyone working 40 hours a week should be able to earn a living wage and provide for their family. We must truly break down the barriers and level the playing field
for women in the economy by make sure there is equal pay for equal work. Lastly, workers, small businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs all agree that it's time to embrace the fact that we are the most diverse state in the country.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Pledges to fight for equality for gay community
Being gay is only part of who I am -- but it's a part that I am immensely proud of and a community that I am honored to represent. We have made much progress, but the fight for equality in the modern era is far from over.
It is outrageous that in many parts of Texas, you can still be married on Saturday, evicted on Sunday, and fired on Monday, all because of who you love. As your governor, I will fight for equality for our community.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Crime:
End the era of mass incarceration, plus major reforms
We must end the era of mass incarceration, reform the cash bail system, decriminalize misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and ban for-profit prisons. These are major contributing factors to systemic oppression, racism, and classism. We must also
work together with municipalities to strengthen the bonds of trust between police and communities and train our police forces to the highest standard, because better trained and accountable police forces means safer neighborhoods and safer cops.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Education:
The right education starts with fixing school finance system
The Texas we pass on to the next generation all come back to how we prepare our people to address challenges ahead. This means expanding access to everything from early childhood education to college readiness programs, to vocational training aimed at
producing a skilled workforce. First, we must fix our broken school finance system. It is past time for the state to pay its fair share and stop placing the burden on local communities and homeowners, which has caused property taxes to skyrocket.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Environment:
Protect the environment by taking proactive measures
I will make sure Texas is proactively taking steps to protect our environment and invest in our disaster preparedness, rebuild smart and resilient to make sure we are ready for major weather events. Preparing for the future involves collaboration of
federal, state, and local so that we can design and implement plans that will protect our homes and coasts from flooding and dangerous storm surges, and safeguard our farmers and rural communities from drought and issues of water insecurity.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Families & Children:
Pro paid sick leave; choosing job over sick family is wrong
We must fight to pass paid sick leave across Texas,
not shut down efforts on a local level. No one should have to choose between a job or caring for a sick loved one.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Government Reform:
Fight against discriminatory voter identification laws
To ensure, Texans have a say in how they are governed I will not only fight against discriminatory voter identification laws and unnecessarily burdensome registration processes, I will advocate to expand voting rights and push for
policies like automatic voter registration and encourage the federal government to update the Voting Rights Act. The goal should be to make it easier for more Texas citizens to get to the polls -- not harder.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Gun Control:
For common sense gun control measures; keep community safe
I am in support of common sense measures that can keep our children and communities safer. We must push for universal background checks, making it a state offense to lie on a background check, and closing loopholes so domestic abusers can't have
access to a weapon. We should enact, not simply study "Red Flag" laws, so that law enforcement and families can flag someone who may pose an immediate danger to themselves or others for their access to firearms to be temporarily limited.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Health Care:
Must expand Medicaid; give access to rural communities
Instead of working to make quality healthcare more affordable and accessible, Gov Abbott has done everything he can to end pre-existing condition protections. Therefore, we must accept the $9 billion dollar Medicaid expansion, which would insure
1.5 million people. We must expand access to critical healthcare in our rural communities, which have become medical deserts after Texas has closed down more rural hospitals than any other state in the country in the last eight years.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Homeland Security:
Wants all veterans to receive the benefits they have earned
As a former US Army National Guard Captain, I have seen too many veterans who have served our country heroically return home with a lack of access to healthcare, sustainable housing and reintegration services.
This is unacceptable, we can and must do more to treat our veterans with the dignity and respect they have earned.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Immigration:
Wants immigration reform that gives a pathway to citizenship
As the state with the most diverse population and the 2nd longest border in the country, we should be leading the way on how to keep criminal elements out of country while also treating our immigrant communities with dignity and respect.
We need to enact comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship and stop attacks on our DREAMers and end cruel policies that target Texans based on ethnicity and citizenship status, which only make us less safe.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Supports Texas Bill of Rights, rooted in Democratic values
I proudly support every plank of the Texas Democratic Party's Texas Bill of Rights. From strengthening our economic security to defending the dignity and
respect of every human being, these progressive ideas are rooted in Democratic values and are shared by a common sense majority of Texans.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
On Crime:
Too many people are kept in jail simply because they're poor
Gov. Greg Abbott announced his proposed Damon Allen Act, named in honor of a 41-year-old highway patrol trooper who was gunned down last during a traffic stop. The suspect, 33-year-old Dabrett Black, was out of jail on a $15,500 bond at the time.
But not everyone is on board.Former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, the Democratic candidate for governor, said in a statement that a discussion on bail reform must address that too many people are kept in jail simply because they're poor.
She also knocked Abbott for excluding gun control from the conversation. "If we are going to talk about keeping our communities safe from harm, we must put in place gun safety measures including universal
background checks and red flag laws, which could have kept Dabrett Black from having access to the gun that killed Officer Allen," Valdez said.
Source: Texas Tribune on 2018 Texas gubernatorial race
Aug 7, 2018
On Abortion:
Endorsed by Planned Parenthood
Valdez earned endorsements from the Victory Fund--a PAC devoted to electing pro-choice LGBTQ candidates--and Planned Parenthood Texas. [Opponent Andrew] White's position on women's health care in a state famous for its escalating attacks on
abortion rights may have pushed voters and more progressive organizations Valdez's way. He identifies as "pro-life," but said he would veto any anti-choice bills, calling abortion "a choice that my wife and I wouldn't take away from somebody else."
In a debate this month, Valdez strove to draw a distinction between her position on abortion rights and his. By saying that he and his wife "respect life,"
White suggests that he believes women who seek abortion care do not, Valdez said. "You owe an apology to these women," she continued.
Source: Slate.com on 2018 Texas Gubernatorial race
May 23, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Supporter of clean energy options in wind and solar
Valdez: Supports climate-change science, wants to expand Texas' clean-energy options in wind and solar.
[Opponent Andrew] White: Supports climate-change science, wants to shift Texas' economy to more clean-energy options such as wind and solar.
Source: Houston Chronicle on 2018 Texas Gubernatorial race
May 18, 2018
On Jobs:
Supports increasing minimum wage, making college affordable
Valdez: Supports increasing the minimum wage, making college affordable for everyone, mandatory paid sick leave for workers and increase trade school and vocational-training opportunities.
[Opponent Andrew] White: Supports increasing the minimum wage, improved skills training and making college affordable for everyone.
Source: Houston Chronicle on 2018 Texas Gubernatorial race
May 18, 2018
On Technology:
Invest in expanded transportation infrastructure
Valdez: Supports investment in expanded transportation infrastructure, high-speed rail, better public transit and self-driving cars. .
[Opponent Andrew] White: Supports investment in expanded transportation infrastructure, high-speed rail, better public transit and self-driving cars.
Source: Houston Chronicle on 2018 Texas Gubernatorial race
May 18, 2018
On Homeland Security:
Worked for Dept. of Homeland Security & then elected sheriff
After attaining the rank of captain in the U.S. Army, Valdez went on to work as a federal agent˙for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and, later, the
Department of Homeland Security, focusing on˙fraud and drug cases for almost 30 years before being elected sheriff of Dallas County, the state's second most populous county.˙
Source: Texas Tribune on 2018 Texas Gubernatorial race
Dec 6, 2017
On Tax Reform:
Open to increasing taxes but not a state income tax
Democratic candidate for governor Lupe Valdez said Thursday she's open to increasing taxes if necessary, but she didn't give specifics besides saying she opposes a state income tax. "We keep the door open to a lot of stuff. Come on in,"
Valdez said at a forum. Asked whether she would advocate for a tax increase, Valdez said, "At this time, I'm not sure I could totally answer that."
Source: San Antonio Express News on 2018 Texas Gubernatorial race
Jan 18, 2017
Page last updated: Dec 12, 2018