Lone Star Left Endorses Denise Wilkerson For HD94

Denise Wilkerson is the change that HD94 needs.

Have you ever met someone you felt you could talk to and knew them for a million years? That’s how I felt when I met Denise Wilkerson last week. We met for coffee in a small Arlington coffee shop, and we chatted for hours. We spoke about life, politics, our kids, and Tony Tinderholt. On a personal level, I think I love Denise Wilkerson. On a political level, I think she has what it takes to unseat the Crybaby King.

Why is this the end of Tony Tinderholt’s career?

After Bryan Slaton was ousted, Tony Tinderholt became the most hated man in the Texas House. It wasn’t only Democrats that hated him. It was Republicans, too. Because of that, Tinderholt will never have another legislative priority passed in Texas. Here is a list of his misdeeds, just from the last year:

• Being best friends with Bryan Slaton.

• Trying to destroy decades-long traditions in the House.

• Taking Nazi money from the Defend Texas Liberty PAC.

• Refusing to denounce Nazis.

• Refusing to return the Defend Texas Liberty PAC money.

• Pushing legislation to benefit himself financially.

• Making racial slurs in a committee hearing.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. While I haven’t seen any polls lately, I can tell you from living in the same city as Tony Tinderholt that even the locals don’t like him. Plus, he’s positioned himself smack in the middle of the Republican Civil War, which will put him at odds with at least half of his voter base.

Tinderholt is one of the people who have pledged blood oaths to Trumpism, and even though the Mango Mussolini has a grip on the GOP, more and more Republicans are now distancing themselves from what they finally realize is fascism.

Between the Republican Civil War, Trump’s mounting legal problems, and Tinderholt’s unpopularity, Republican enthusiasm in HD94 is low headed into 2024.

What about HD94?

There has only been one election since the Republican’s gerrymandering in 2021. In that election, voter turnout in all of Texas was low. Democrats in Tarrant County underperformed.

During the 2022 election, Tinderholt’s opponent, Dennis Sherrard, lost by 13 points.

If Democrats had shown up and voted at the same level they did in 2020, Sherrard could have flipped this seat, or came within a few points from flipping.

Here is another thing. Sherrard only raised a fraction of the money that Tinderholt did and still would have been in striking distance if Democrats hadn’t underperformed.

If anything, this should show how unpopular and disliked Tinderholt is.

In HD94, during the 2022 election, there were 119,141 voters. Tinderholt only got 29.5% of those voters. However, most people in this district didn’t even vote.

Low voter turnout is a significant reason why Tony Tinderholt still has his job today. With eleven months away from the election, Wilkerson has a lot of time to focus on registering new voters and increasing the voter turnout for this district.

Mostly, voters need someone they can like and trust.

Why is Denise Wilkerson the right person for HD94?

With the winds of political change blowing through HD94, Wilkerson's campaign is poised to capitalize on the disaffection with Tinderholt's tenure. Her strategy hinges on galvanizing the Democratic base while reaching across the aisle to those disillusioned Republicans seeking an alternative to the status quo.

Her ability to resonate on a personal level, as evidenced by our conversation, could translate into a broader appeal among voters who are eager for representation that aligns with their values and concerns. Wilkerson's legal background as a criminal prosecutor and later as a Litigation Attorney for the City of Arlington has equipped her with an intimate understanding of the law and justice — a critical asset in navigating the complexities of legislation and governance. Her work in the non-profit sector and her role on the Mayor’s Advisory Boards speak to her deep engagement with the community and her proactive approach to problem-solving.

Her priorities reflect a profound understanding of the district's needs, from staunch advocacy for public education and healthcare to a commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. Each priority is not just a bullet point on a campaign list but is backed by a history of action and dedication.

Wilkerson’s commitment to listening, really listening to the people's concerns, coupled with her desire to elevate their voices rather than her own, positions her as a catalyst for positive change.

In a district ready for transformation, Denise Wilkerson represents a return to the core values of Texas politics — integrity, service, and community. She offers not just a new choice but a return to what made HD-94 great: a representative who sees public office as a public trust, a responsibility to serve, and a chance to better the lives of her neighbors. As Texas faces the future, Wilkerson stands as the right leader for a pivotal time — a time for healing, unity, and a rekindling of the Texas spirit.

It is for all of these reasons Lone Star Left is endorsing Denise Wilkerson for HD94 and believes she is the right candidate to flip this seat.

You can learn more about Denise Wilkerson on her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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