Texas Rising Connects Young El Pasoans and Local Candidates Using Innovative “Speed Dating” Format

Event photos can be found here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2024

CONTACT: Emily Witt (she/hers), [email protected]

EL PASO, Texas – Civic engagement organization, Texas Rising, today hosted a Valentine’s Day “Speed Dating” event facilitating meaningful conversations on key issues between young El Pasoans and local candidates ahead of the March Primary Election.

The event was put on by the local chapter of the organization, consisting of students from UT El Paso. 

“We’re building the voting power of young people at Texas Rising through more than voter registration — we’re committed to boosting youth civic engagement and empowering communities at the ballot box and beyond through fun, innovative events and local advocacy,” said Texas Rising Senior Regional Program Coordinator Ivonne Diaz (she/her/ella). “The voting base of Texas continues to become younger and more diverse each election cycle, and we are voting to create the Texas and El Paso we deserve. We are incredibly grateful to the candidates who made the time to listen to and engage with young El Pasoans, and we hope they continue to engage with our community.”

While all El Paso candidates running in the March Primary Election for District Attorney, County Commissioner 1, County Commissioner 3, and County Sheriff were invited, the following were able to attend:

Nancy Casa (D), El Paso District Attorney candidate
Bill Hicks (R), El Paso District Attorney candidate
James Montoya (D), El Paso District Attorney candidate
Alma Trejo (D), El Paso District Attorney candidate
Jackie Arroyo Butler (D), El Paso County Commissioner 1 candidate
Claudia Rodriguez (R), El Paso County Commissioner 1 candidate
Ryan Woodcraft (L), El Paso County Commissioner 1 candidate
Iliana Holguin (D), El Paso County Commissioner 3 candidate
Michael Gonzales (D), El Paso County Sheriff candidate
Minerva Torres Shelton (R), El Paso County Sheriff candidate
Oscar Ugarte (D), El Paso County Sheriff candidate