ONLY ON ABC-7: Congressional candidate talks border, immigration reform
In a month, early voting begins in the primary runoff races.
Once again, Texas’ District 23 — which runs from San Antonio to Far East El Paso — is in contention.
Two candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination and both from San Antonio: Rick Trevino, a former teacher who touts his political affiliation with former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and advocates for health care for all; and Gina Ortiz-Jones, a former intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Ortiz-Jones was in El Paso this week. She sat down for an exclusive interview with ABC-7.
ABC-7: HAVE YOU BEEN TO EL PASO BEFORE?
GOJ: I have been to El Paso, a couple of times, actually. … as I was walking out (of the airport), I saw unfortunately, one of the caskets of one of our uniformed service members … it just reminds you of the sacrifice Certainly in a place like El Paso, it reminds you of the importance of, frankly, good leadership that will fight for all of our communities, but in particular, our veteran community.
ABC-7: DISTRICT 23 IS SO LARGE. HOW CAN YOU ANTICIPATE SERVING THE NEEDS OF THOSE WHO LIVE IN SAN ANTONIO, FAR EAST EL PASO COUNTY, AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN?
GOJ: Look, show me how you campaign and I’ll show you how I govern. … You’re never going to have to wonder where I am on an issue. You’ll see me in the district. … I think we continue to see everyday how this administration and these Republicans are remaining silent as, unfortunately, this president looks to make good on the promise that he made to his base, which is a border wall. Everybody knows how devastating a wall would be for border economies but also border communities. You can’t talk about El Paso without talking about Juarez. … Frankly, as I talk to leaders, they are more interested in building stronger connections with communities because we know really is going to strengthen these communities is strong communities, not a smart wall.
ABC-7: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE FOR THE BORDER?
GOJ: You can’t talk about the border without talking about immigration. Texas has second-largest Dreamer population in U.S. next to California. There are 4,000 alone live in this district. … I look forward to advocating for keeping the promise that we made to our Dreamers. I think it’s the right thing to do. … The uncertainty on that issue is causing distrust among communities and the institutions set up to protect them. (Ortiz-Jones mentioned that she spoke to law enforcement officials who are concerned that there will be a drop in the reporting of domestic violence because the victims “don’t know who is going to show up.”) We have to understand that this uncertainty writ large around the DACA program is actually causing– contributing to public safety concerns. …
I think a border wall would be a huge waste of money. You might as well light $50 billion on fire. And so I look forward to continuing to advocate for other ways in which we can invest in smart, healthy kids and in the infrastructure that is so needed in this district and in East El Paso.
ABC-7: YOUR OPPONENT IN THE DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF IS MORE TO THE LEFT WHEN IT COMES TO ISSUES — ALIGNING WITH BERNIE SANDERS AND GOING FOR HIS SUPPORTERS. YOU WERE ENDORSED BY THE DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE — AND YOUR OPPONENT IS QUOTED AS SAYING THAT “THE DCCC HAS AN INCREDIBLY TERRIBLE TRACK RECORD IN CD-23, AND IT’S GREAT TO KNOW THAT THEY’RE GOING TO HAVE ALL THEIR HANDS ALL OVER” YOUR RACE. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THAT, AND WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE WHO LIVE IN DISTRICT 23 WHO FEEL LIKE THE DEMOCRATS ARE NOT IN TOUCH WITH THE CURRENT NEEDS OF THEIR SUPPORTERS?
GOJ: This is not the time to send somebody to Congress that is just going to ‘vote the right way.’ So, I’ve been very clear about my own personal experience as well as my professional experience that have informed why I’m talking about the things that I’m talking about. (When I was in the AIr Force) I served in countries where women and minorities are targeted. It saddens me to see that happening in our own country. … You have to look at the life experiences of the person and their value system and how they’re going to represent this district in the way they deserve.
ABC-7: NOW, FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT — ARE YOU GOING TO BE ABLE TO ADMIT IT THAT THE MEXICAN CUISINE HERE IS BETTER THAN IT IS IN SAN ANTONIO?
GOJ: (laughs) I’m actually going to duck that question because I think the food is as good. It’s equally good.
Election Day is May 22 and early voting starts May 14.
The winner will face Republican Rep. Will Hurd in November’s general election.
