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Wendy Davis Makes San Antonio Stop, Deflects Talk About New Poll

Eileen Pace
/
TPR News
Gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis speaks to a luncheon of 1,000 supporters at the Marriott Rivercenter Monday.

The Wendy Davis camp is approaching the latest poll on the gubernatorial race in Texas with optimism, but also with a healthy dose of caution.

Davis spoke to San Antonio supporters at a fundraiser Monday about bringing people in the state together and maintaining her strategy regardless of the polls.

There were nearly 1,000 supporters that bought tickets to the San Antonio fundraiser, and the list included some of the biggest local names, including former Mayor Lila Cockrell, Congressmen Joaquín Castro and Pete Gallego, and several local judges and elected officials.

"It’s time for a governor who doesn’t believe that you have to buy your way into being part of Texas’ future," Davis said. "It’s time for a governor who doesn’t just listen to the people who can write big checks. Like any true Texan, I have taken on my share of tough fights and won."

The new Texas Tribune/University of Texas poll found just 5 points separating Davis from Republican favorite Greg Abbott. Davis’ popularity at this event was palpable, with fans standing in line almost an hour to get a photograph with her or to get their pink tennis shoes autographed.

Campaign staffers are excited to be closing in, and although Davis said people are open minded and want a new direction, it’s still very early.

"You know, there’s a long road ahead. And we’re going to run our race," Davis said. "We’re going to continue talking to people all over the state about what their values and concerns are. And I feel sure that on election day, they’ll believe I’m the person who best reflects their agenda."

Davis deflected a direct response about the poll numbers, but said she would continue talking about keeping the economy strong while supporting education, women’s rights and appreciating and hiring veterans.

State Sen. Leticia Van De Putte also spoke at the event but did not make any campaign announcements. Van de Putte is being talked about as the likely Democratic candidate for the lieutenant governor's race.

Eileen Pace is a veteran radio and print journalist with a long history of investigative and feature reporting in San Antonio and Houston, earning more than 50 awards for investigative reporting, documentaries, long-form series, features, sports stories, outstanding anchoring and best use of sound.