TEXAS, USA — There were 10 candidates in the race to succeed Congressman Colin Allred in District 32. But state Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Farmers Branch, managed to avoid a runoff, finishing above 50% by a whisker.
And she didn’t hesitate to answer when we asked what made the difference in the race.
“Women,” Johnson replied immediately.
Johnson says women drove voter turnout in her race on Super Tuesday to the tune of more than 60%.
“They’re upset about our freedoms being taken away, the attack on women, being able to control their bodies, to control their families. But what I also heard is that they’re upset that so many men were trying to tell the most qualified woman that she shouldn’t have her opportunity, and they saw themselves in that as well,” Johnson told us on Inside Texas Politics.
Johnson would be the first openly gay member of Congress from Texas, and she says that excites her.
And if she’s elected, she says her first priority on day one would be to restore abortion access and abortion healthcare.
“We cannot have a society where women took a step 50 years back. Women have to be in charge of their own body, their family and when and how they become that. It’s critically important. And also the Equality Act. For the LGBTQ community, Texas is ground zero for hate against our community,” said Johnson.
On the Republican side of the ballot in this race, David Blewett and Darrell Day will meet in a runoff on Tuesday, May 28.
The general election will be held November 5.
CD 32 is considered safe for Democrats.