Ortiz Jones wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Representative District 23
Gina Ortiz Jones will face Republican incumbent Will Hurd for the U.S. Representative District 23 seat, after claiming the Democratic nomination in Tuesday’s runoff.
After all precincts reported, Ortiz Jones had a lead of more than 5,000 votes over Rick Trevino.
“Gina Ortiz Jones fought overseas to defend our country and expand opportunities for hardworking families, and now she’s ready to continue serving as a new voice in Congress. The EMILY’s List community was proud to stand with Gina Ortiz Jones early in the primary and will continue to stand with her as she takes on vulnerable House Republican Will Hurd this November in this competitive swing district,” Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List said.
The democratic race for Texas’ District 23 included two candidates from San Antonio.
Ortiz Jones is a former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer and served in Iraq under President George W. Bush. She also served as director in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative under President Barack Obama.
Ortiz Jones stopped by ABC-7 in April to discuss the election.
During her visit she said, “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.”
She answered questions regarding the size of District 23 which runs from San Antonio to El Paso.
“You’ll see me in the district,” Ortiz Jones said. “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.
Ortiz Jones won 41 percent of the votes during March’s primary elections.
Trevino came in second with 17 percent.
