Update: Progrss for Progressives - Dems pick up their 31st seat

By: Next Generation Democrats
Published On: 12/14/2006 12:51:09 PM

I know there was a brief thread already yesturday about Ciro Rodriguez winning the special election in the Texas 23rd district.  So if you follow me below the fold there is a brief wrap-up.

(Update)
:Ciro has landed a spot on the influential Appropriations Committee:
With a win last night in the special election, Next Generation Democrats endorsed Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez is now the Representative-elect of the Texas 23rd Congressional District (results). RodriguezGÇÖs come from behind win is a remarkable never-say-die story.  Rodriguez was unseated in the adjacent 28th district by fellow Democrat Henry Cuellar in a March 2004 primary after their districts were merged by Tom DelayGÇÖs redistricting plan.  Ciro also lost a rematch to Cuellar in this yearGÇÖs primary. 

When the Supreme Court ruled in June that the 23rd districtGÇÖs new boundaries unlawfully diluted the Hispanic vote and violated the provisions of the Voting Rights Act, Ciro was moved from the 28th Congressional District into the 23rd Congressional District and given a second chance at winning a seat in Congress. 

The 23rd District race featured incumbent Rep. Henry Bonilla (R), Former Rep. Ciro, five other Democrats, and one independent.  When Rep. Bonilla failed to break 50% on Nov. 7th, it placed him and Ciro, the next highest vote getter, in a runoff special election that concluded last night with Ciro toppling Bonilla by a margin of 54% to 46%.

NGD was thrilled to endorse Ciro a few weeks after the Nov 7th General Election.  Ciro is an ideal example of a candidate that matches our values.  Ciro is a champion of economic fairness and has worked diligently to provide funding for programs to provide job training, create sustainable economic growth, and provide health benefits to the constituents of his district.  Ciro has also been a leader in coordinating transportation concerns between the US and Mexico to keep open valuable routes of trade.  NGD is proud to join the voters of TexasGÇÖs 23rd District in welcoming Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, the latest addition to Democratic Majority in the 110th Congress.

Help NGD take this kind of welcome news to state legislature races across the country next year by donating now.

Mike Burns
President, Next Generation Democrats

Nate de la Piedra
Executive Director, Next Generation Democrats

David Chiang
Managing Partner, Next Generation Democrats

Comments



31st? (Terry85 - 12/14/2006 9:54:13 PM)
Uhmm, I thought it was their 30th?


I am counting the Indie we picked up (Next Generation Democrats - 12/14/2006 11:00:31 PM)
It was already pretty much a D vote but now it is offical.


Mike, Nate, Dave, thanks for posting this (CraigL - 12/15/2006 9:16:53 PM)
I was thrilled to see Ciro come from behind and win by a decisive margin. I've been keeping an eye on this one - I contributed to his spring primary after the race was discussed on firedoglake.  But it's even better that he was able to unseat a full republican instead of a mere republican-leaning democrat.