Americans across the political spectrum are eager to know the results of the upcoming election. To give readers more information about these highly contested races, The Dispatch offers the following endorsements for president, senator, representative, railroad commissioner, mayor, and a stance on local Proposition A. On October 17 and 18, newspaper staff members voted anonymously in a mock election. The endorsements reflect which candidates received the most votes in each category.

PRESIDENT

In what has been described as one of the most critical presidential elections in our nation’s history, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump face off in pursuit of winning the presidency. At the top of Harris’s agenda are issues of reproductive rights and restoring economic stability. She has advocated for the passage of legislation to restore the protections established under Roe v. Wade. Additionally, she plans to implement an increased child tax credit and ensure that no individual earning less than $400,000 a year experiences a rise in their taxes.

In contrast, former President Donald Trump has boasted about ending Roe v. Wade. He campaigns on goals to improve the economy by lowering the prices of everyday purchases and “slashing inflation,” but many of these objectives lack substantial explanation of how they will be achieved.

The Dispatch endorses Kamala Harris for president. One reason for this is that Harris would restore access to reproductive healthcare. This would ensure that women are able to receive life-saving care and make decisions about what is best for their own body. In order to improve the economy, we need a president with clear cut goals, not concepts of a plan. With specific objectives outlined to make the cost of living more affordable, Harris is better equipped to address economic concerns. 

Finally, Harris would strive to unify the American people. While Trump delivers hateful rhetoric and misinformation about marginalized communities, Harris’s messaging conveys that all Americans are deserving of equal rights and, if elected, her policies would reflect this.

SENATOR

In what is panning out as an incredibly close race, Colin Allred challenges incumbent Ted Cruz for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Cruz pledges to improve the immigration system by constructing a border wall and supporting border patrol agents, yet he voted against legislation aimed at securing the border in February of this year. He plans to make healthcare more accessible through expanding Health Savings accounts but has also indicated his intentions to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Colin Allred is committed to finding bi-partisan solutions to pass immigration reforms and ensure the safety of border communities. In the House of Representatives, he worked with members on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation such as the Dream and Promise Act. He plans to make healthcare more affordable through expanding Medicaid, and lowering prescription drug costs.

The Dispatch endorses Colin Allred for Senate because he prioritizes the people of Texas over partisanship. In addition to improving the immigration system and expanding access to healthcare, Allred firmly believes in a woman’s right to choose and will work to pass legislation that restores this right in Texas.

Furthermore, he will fight to increase access to over-the-counter contraceptives. This will have a significant impact in Texas, which has the eighth highest teen birth rate in the U.S., according to Healthy Futures of Texas. Texans need a Senator who will fight to protect our rights and show up in times of need, and Allred is the best choice to fulfill this criteria.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

Republican candidate Jenny Garcia Sharon opposes Lloyd Doggett in the race for a seat in the House of Representatives. Doggett believes the increasing prevalence of gun violence cannot be tolerated and has fought for common-sense solutions such as eliminating gun sales loopholes and implementing universal background checks. He has also worked to ensure fair elections by voting for the For People Act which promotes election integrity and security.

Garcia Sharon, on the other hand, doesn’t outline specific efforts to protect Texans from the growing threat of gun violence or acknowledge the fact that the right to keep and bear arms has come at the expense of individual’s lives. She pledges to ensure legal and accurate elections but doesn’t lay out how she plans to accomplish this.

We endorse Representative Lloyd Doggett because of his loyalty to his constituents and extensive experience. His willingness to take action on the issue of gun violence is crucial to preserving the safety of Texans. Furthermore, by working to ensure just elections and protecting the fundamental right to vote, Doggett makes clear that he will defend our Democracy and the principles of liberty, representation, and equality that it has established.

RAILROAD COMMISSIONER

Progressive Katherine Culbert is running to defeat Christi Craddick, the current railroad commissioner. The railroad commissioner oversees Texas’ oil and gas industry and Craddick, a conservative, has used her position to ensure that these industries face minimal regulations. She believes in state-led decisions and opposes federal government involvement in the management of these industries.

Culbert disagrees with this perspective. She believes in holding large corporations accountable to prioritize the health and safety of workers as well as communities. She will also work to increase transparency in the oil and gas industry and implement more environmentally conscious policies.

Due to her forward thinking, The Dispatch endorses Katherine Culbert. Culbert is not afraid to question the actions of large corporations to protect the best interest of Texas residents. She also understands the serious threat that lax regulations pose to the health of communities and the climate. Culbert will act effectively and urgently to preserve the well-being of Texans.

MAYOR

Watson and Kathie Tovo were the two candidates who received the most votes in the mayoral portion of our mock election. As mayor, Watson has fought to make living in Austin more affordable through land use reforms. He also worked to improve emergency response times by staffing the police department. Watson does face criticism from some that believe his executive approach to decision making can create a disconnect between himself and city council members.

Tovo has indicated that she would increase affordability through the expansion of affordable housing. She has promised to keep the police force fully staffed, and improve police cadet training to keep communities safe. Tovo has faced some criticism for her thorough decision making process which can, at times, slow down the implementation of policy.

While both candidates display intriguing agendas, we have decided to endorse Watson. In addition to land use reforms, Watson promises to implement housing reforms to provide relief for families experiencing the high costs of living in Austin. He also has goals to combat climate change by closing the Austin-owned portion of the coal-powered Fayette Power Plant and removing Austin from the coal industry. Watson will fight to improve the quality of life of Austinites and preserve the ideals that define our city.

PROPOSITION A

Travis County Proposition A proposes a tax rate increase which would go towards generating more funding for the Austin Independent School District (AISD). If passed, Prop A would generate around $171 million over a one year period by raising taxes for homeowners.

The district would only retain $41 million of this funding due to state recapture. Some of the funding would be allocated to increasing the pay of 85 percent of AISD staff members, with more experienced educators receiving higher wages. Critics of the proposition argue that this is only a temporary solution to the budget issues that the Austin Independent School District is experiencing.

While it is understandable that some may have reservations surrounding this proposition, we endorse voting in favor of Prop A. Educators and integral AISD staff members are severely underpaid for the work that they do to shape future generations. The passage of this proposition would secure long-overdue compensation for these individuals.

Finally, voting is not just a civic duty; it is a way for someone to be a part of the change they wish to see in society. When someone casts their ballot, they are participating in our long-standing democracy by electing officials who will represent their perspectives. 

It is also important to remember that, while it may seem like the role of commander-in-chief is the most crucial, members of Congress write the legislation sent to be signed by the president, local and state officials decide on policies which directly impact our everyday lives. Regardless of which political party you align with, or which candidates you support, The Dispatch encourages you, if eligible, to exercise your right to vote and make your voice heard.