Houston, TX –– Avow endorses Rochelle Garza in the Democratic primary for Attorney General. This is the first time Avow has endorsed a candidate for Attorney General.
Ken Paxton’s Most Notable Moments Attacking Abortion Rights
- In a losing effort, Ken Paxton asked the Supreme Court to uphold abortion restrictions in 2015. These restrictions (HB2) caused half the state’s clinics to close.
- In another losing effort, in 2019 Ken Paxton tried to seek expanded jurisdiction from the legislature to prosecute abortion providers for ‘crimes’.
- He caused confusion that allowed the abortion ban to continue at the start of the pandemic by releasing a bogus legal opinion via press release –– which he has no authority to do.
- He asked the Supreme Court in 2021 to continue to uphold the abortion ban under SB 8.
Avow Political Director Caroline Duble issued the following statement:
“We’re thrilled to announce our endorsement of Rochelle Garza for Attorney General in the Democratic primary. Rochelle was the lawyer who secured justice for Jane Doe, the minor in immigration detention who was unjustly denied an abortion by the Trump Administration and subjected to anti-abortion coercion.
Ken Paxton has used the office of attorney general to attack abortion access in Texas and beyond. We need a champion who is invested in helping Texans, not harming them.
The choice was clear in our decision to endorse Rochelle. She is a true progressive leader who will not compromise on abortion rights. Ken Paxton has led the charge to uphold the worst abortion restrictions in Texas and the nation. It’s imperative that we replace him with someone who truly understands the damage that has been done and is ready to undo that harm. Rochelle is clear about her values and understands how abortion access is intertwined with voting rights, racial, health and economic justice. Avow trusts that Rochelle will get to work on day one to protect and expand access to abortion care.”
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