There were 11 democrats vying for the Congressional District 33 nomination. Now the field has narrowed to two.
Top vote-getter State Rep. Marc Veasey says his hometown connection to the district and proven track record helped him secure a spot in the runoff.
“I lived in apartment complexes not too far from this very location when I was a kid. We lived in Stop Six also not too far from here. I attended Fort Worth schools," he said. "People know that I’m from the community, people have gotten the chance to know me as their state legislator for the last several years.”
The Fort Worth House member led all candidates with 38 percent of the vote. He’s counting on his record as a Representative to win.
"I want people to know I’ll never sell them short, that I’ll always work hard for them. Always . I did that as their state legislator. I never cut any deals, never did anything of that nature, and I’m going to continue to do that as their Congressman," he said.
Veasey will face former Dallas Councilman and former House member Domingo Garcia in the runoff July 31. Garcia said that campaign has already begun.
“I’m going to personally go door knocking, we’re going to go to community meetings, Chamber of Commerce meetings, and go to churches on Sunday," Garcia said. "And get our message out that Domingo Garcia wants to be a voice for every voter in the district irregardless [sic] of race, the sex, gender.”
Trailing Veasey with 24 percent of the vote, Garcia says he likes the underdog role. The former Dallas City Councilman wants those candidates who didn’t make the District 33 runoff to unite behind him.
"I want to be inconclusive. I’m going to reach out to all voters," he said. "It’s a rainbow coalition. That’s the way you should win this district. because it’s a minority opportunity district but that means you represent everybody and that’s what I want to do.
The newly formed congressional District 33 includes parts of both Dallas and Tarrant counties. And it’s expected to send a Democrat to Washington.
Despite spending more that $2 million of his own money, David Alameel didn’t make the runoff. Nor did former Dallas Council member Steve Salazar, Fort Worth Council person Kathleen Hicks, or others with some name recognition.
Garcia launched his runoff campaign last night, asking supporters at his campaign party for more money. The winner will then face Republican Chuck Bradley, but a Democrat is favored to take the Congressional seat.
