Julián for the Future
For Immediate Release: Monday, November 18, 2019
Contact: Sawyer Hackett, National Press Secretary

Third DNC Member, Six State Lawmakers Among 14 Leaders Endorsing Julián Castro

SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 18, 2019) – A third Democratic National Committee member, six current or former state lawmakers from Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas, and a Black Lives Matter co-founder are among the 14 leaders who announced their endorsement of presidential candidate Julián Castro on Monday.

Those endorsing Secretary Castro on Monday include:
Democratic National Committeewoman Celina Vasquez of Texas
State Senator Jacob Candelaria of New Mexico
State Representative Jennifer Longdon of Arizona
State Representative Jennifer Jermaine of Arizona
State Representative Ray Lopez of Texas 
Former State Representative, Community Organizer and Battle Rapper Bruce Franks Jr. of Missouri
Former State Representative Roberto Alonzo of Texas, Chairman of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus
Texas Board of Education Member Georgina C. Pérez  
City Councilmember Gloria Soto of Santa Maria, California
Melina Abdullah, Ph.D., Social Justice Organizer and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles 
Thandiwe Abdullah, Co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles Youth Vanguard
LGBTQ Activist Candace Gingrich
Homeless Activist Brooke Evans
Community Leader Eder Gaona-Macedo of Santa Barbara/Ventura County

Vasquez becomes the third Democratic National Committee delegate to endorse Castro, the former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas. DNC automatic delegate and Secretary of the DNC’s Black Caucus Allison Stephens and Texas State Senate Minority Leader José Rodríguez previously endorsed Secretary Castro. 

“Julián Castro is bold and fearless with an unwavering commitment to our nation’s working people and most vulnerable,” said former Texas State Representative Roberto Alonzo, who is chairman of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus. “He leads confidently with heart, mind, and a loving upbringing that guides him. As HUD Secretary and San Antonio Mayor he has the proven record and experience to lead our nation.”

Alonzo, who also talked about Castro’s support of immigration reform and addressing climate change, said as a former farm worker he is thankful to Castro for visiting the United Farm Workers headquarters and bringing attention to their cause.

Below are more quotes from leaders endorsing Secretary Castro:

"I enthusiastically support Julián Castro because he has the deepest knowledge of the issues our country is facing," said Democratic National Committeewoman Celina Vasquez of Texas. "His 'People First' policies are bold, and often cover issues that no other candidate has brought to the forefront. This bold approach has earned my trust in him, and I will sleep better at night with Julián Castro in the White House — my son Diego’s future depends on it."

"I want Julián Castro to be President of the United States because he has the courage to call out economic oppression, has demonstrated a real commitment to empowering the voices of communities of color and the poor, and because of his unshakable commitment to our shared American values of equal opportunity and dignity before the law," said New Mexico State Senator Jacob Candelaria. "As an openly gay man of color, I am especially proud to endorse a civil rights champion like Julián Castro and to stand with him in this race for the future of our country."

“Secretary Castro impressed me with his approach to ending gun violence and moved me with his visit to refugees in Matamoros,” said Arizona State Representative Jennifer Longdon. “As the paralyzed survivor of gun violence it was his complete and comprehensive disability policy that won me over. His concern and fight for often marginalized communities is breathtaking. His actions and his insights are exactly what I want and what this country needs in our next president.”

"Public policy, to be truly comprehensive, needs to involve a wide range of stakeholders and experts - including those directly affected by the issues," said Arizona State Representative Jennifer Jermaine. "This is exactly how Julián Castro and his team have built his policy platform.  This is how we build an inclusive future.  It is inspiring and this is real leadership.  I'm excited and honored to endorse Julián Castro for President of the United States of America."

“Since first being elected to the San Antonio City Council, I have had the honor of witnessing Julián's unwavering commitment to service and his strength of character as a leader of our community and nation,” said Texas State Representative Ray Lopez. “I am proud to endorse Julián and support him as the next President of the United States.”

"Martin Luther King said there comes a time when you do something not because it’s political, not because it’s popular, not because it safe, but because your conscience tells you it’s right," said former Missouri State Representative, Community Organizer and Battle Rapper Bruce Franks Jr. "Castro has been unapologetic in his stances and unapologetic in who he is. That’s the type of leader that we need, and that’s the type of person that I’m willing to bet the house on for the future of our country. We have someone in Julián Castro who is willing to speak up and speak out not only about injustices, but about the challenges and barriers marginalized communities face each and every day. That’s why I am putting my full support behind a man of the people, Julián Castro."

“Secretary Castro knows the power of public education to lift people up and has been the most outspoken advocate on the campaign trail for supporting our schools and our teachers,” said Texas Board of Education Member Georgina C. Pérez. "A product of West San Antonio raised by a single mother, Secretary Castro knows the struggles of everyday Americans and has not hesitated to fight for those often forgotten by other leaders. We need him as our nominee to continue to stand up to the divisive, hateful, anti-Latino rhetoric of this president, to beat him in November and to return decency and honor to the White House.”

“I stepped into politics at a time when communities of color were under attack, seeking to rebuild engagement and government accountability," said City Councilmember Gloria Soto of Santa Maria, California. "I believe that Secretary Castro has demonstrated his commitment to elevate the most vulnerable voices within our country and speak against injustices. It is an honor to support Secretary Castro and his vision of America.”

"Today, I offer my heartfelt and enthusiastic endorsement for Julián Castro as our next President," said social justice organizer and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles Melina Abdullah, Ph.D.. "Julián’s priorities begin to make real a world where each of us has all of what we need and most of what we want. He has built a 'lift from the bottom' platform, that speaks explicitly to the conditions of those who have been forced to the bottom rungs of society. Secretary Castro is a uniter, who reminds us that more of us are committed to these principles than are against, that we have more in common, that we have more to gain by standing together. He reminds us that false divisions are tools used by those who want to hoard power. He affirms the truism that 'when we fight, we win.' I choose to fight alongside Julián. There is not a more ideal leader for this nation at this moment than Julián Castro."

"As a 15-year-old black Muslim girl, I’m looking forward to having a president who represents my best interests," said Thandiwe Abdullah, Co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles Youth Vanguard. "Secretary Castro is someone who is calling for an immediate end to the Muslim Ban and has concrete plans to halt police brutality, create affordable housing opportunities, and invest in community wellness institutions. These are my best interests. These are the best interests of millions of marginalized communities. Julián Castro speaks up for the most vulnerable. We need that leadership in the Oval Office."

“I first met Secretary Castro at the Time to THRIVE conference for LGBTQ youth serving professionals where he shared his unwavering support: ‘We won’t stand on the sidelines while members of the LGBT community continue to suffer injustice.’ As a presidential candidate, Julián has not wavered from those beliefs – pronoun usage, centering the lives of trans women of color, reproductive rights inclusive of trans and non-binary people – and so much more,” said LGBTQ activist Candace Gingrich. “I proudly endorse Julián Castro for President – he has the experience, the empathy, the vision and the courage to unite the nation. He doesn’t just see us – he is us.”

“Secretary Julián Castro is the presidential candidate I have hoped for all my life and in whom I see young people, like myself. As a disabled and first-generation college graduate who navigates homelessness and mounting student debt, Secretary Julián Castro has welcomed impacted Americans like me to the table to build a future that is about us and most notably—by us, as well,” said homeless activist Brooke Evans. “In doing so, Secretary Castro is changing U.S. politics forever because he knows that we won’t solve what lies ahead if we’re not doing it together. In the thick of the dark times we find ourselves in now, Secretary Julián Castro has taught us all that we cannot accept anything less than compassion, courage, and a commitment to be led by the truth. We know that in these values, we will greet America in her best form. For our future and the conscience and community necessary to hope and work for it together, I offer my endorsement of Secretary Julián Castro for President of the United States of America.”

"As a young undocumented immigrant, it was hard to find positive role models who spoke to my story and values," said community leader Eder Gaona-Macedo of Santa Barbara/Ventura County. "Julián Castro has become that role model for countless youth, speaking truth for communities of color. Under his leadership, communities will be understood, heard, and uplifted. It is an honor to support Julián Castro for President."

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Julián for the Future
For Immediate Release: Monday, October 14, 2019
Contact: Sawyer Hackett, National Press Secretary

Julián Castro Announces 58 Endorsements Ahead of Fourth Democratic Debate

 
SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 14, 2019) – On Monday, October 14, 2019, presidential candidate and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro announced 58 endorsements from local representatives, former representatives, community leaders, and celebrities.

Monday’s endorsements build on the support Secretary Castro has received from Texas, Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and throughout the country. 

“This campaign continues to gain momentum as more and more Americans learn about Julián’s experience and vision for our country’s future,” said campaign manager Maya Rupert. “We’ve built a strong base of support from local elected officials, celebrities, and community leaders throughout the country that will help carry our campaign to victory next November.”

Below is a snapshot of the leaders endorsing Secretary Castro:
 
“I support Secretary Castro because his progressive policies have reflected the priorities of the Latino community,” said Noemi McGregor, President of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida. “Sec. Castro understands our community’s complex dynamics -- we are Mexican, Cuban, Venezuelan, Puerto Rican, Central American. Sec. Castro has demonstrated that he’s willing to address our individual needs, and not treat us as a monolithic group. We feel seen, heard, and empowered, and his candidacy will help mobilize our country’s biggest voting block to the polls.” 

“Julián Castro has the heart and knowledge to bring people together,” said Arizona State Representative Raquel Teràn. “At a time when the opposition drives their narrative and actions so far to the right, we need someone like Julián who will stand firm on the fight for basic human needs for everybody.”

“We need a bold leader who really listens, engages, and reflects on the issues and stories brought to them,” said Angela Lang, a criminal justice reform advocate. “We need a leader who isn't afraid to speak truth to power in these dark and dangerous times. We need someone who will roll up their sleeves and get to work to restore the morality of this country.  I am confident that Secretary Castro is that leader. He has shown that no matter what zip code you are in, your socioeconomic status, your immigration status, who you love, and how you walk through the world, we all deserve the freedom to live thriving and healthy lives. His compassion and thoughtful approach is how we get this country back on the right track.”

“I first heard Julian Castro speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2012 over satellite radio,” said Actress and Comedian Cristela Alonzo. “ I was in a car and pulled over the side of the road to hear his entire speech. I knew back then that I would support him if/when the time came when he would run for President. When I see Julian, I not only see future that this country could become but also the past that made him and people like me, what we are today. His roots come from generations of strong women that taught him that the impossible was always within his grasp. He comes from immigrants that sought a better life for their future and because of that, he seeks a better life for all Americans. His policies are an example of that, ranging from education to police reform. The direction of this country should be towards a time where we are all shown not only that we matter but that we can thrive and live in a country where we all are truly treated equal. Julian Castro has that vision.”
 
The full list of endorsements is below:
 
John Leguizamo, Actor
Cristela Alonzo, Actor and Comedian
Blair Imani, Historian and Writer
Abby Govindan, Comedian and Writer 
Ana Breton, Digital Director, Full Frontal with Samantha bee 
 
State Representative Christina Morales, Texas  (D-145) 
State Representative Javier Martinez, New Mexico (D-11) 
State Representative Raquel Teràn, Arizona (D-30) 
State Representative Carlos Mariani, Minnesota (D-65B)
Councilmember Joca Marquez, San Marcos, Texas (Place 5)
Councilmember Andrew Lewis, North Westwood, California 
Councilmember Noel Gallo, Oakland, California (District 5)
Councilmember Alondra Cano, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Ward 9)
Councilmember Bryan Osorio, Delano, California 
 
Former Mayor Martin J. Chavez, Albuquerque, New Mexico  
Former State Senator Leticia Van De Putte, Texas
Former State Representative Norma Chàvez, Texas 
Former State Representative Chente Quintanilla, Texas
Former Councilmember Maria Berriozabal, San Antonio, Texas
 
Noemi McGregor, President, Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida
Dulce M. Sherman, Chair, Latinx Caucus of Nebraska
Coby Owens, Executive Committee Wilmington At-Large, Delaware Democratic Party 
Rachel Gonzalez, Executive Committee Member, Missouri Democratic Party 
Spencer Bounds, Membership Director, Young Democrats of Texas 
Jose Trinidad Castaneda, Chair of the Orange County Housing & Transit Democratic Club, California
 
The Honorable Mickey Ibarra, Former Director of The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs under the Clinton administration
Dr Ana M “ Cha”Guzman, Educator, Former Chair of the White House Commission for Educational Excellence for Hispanic under the Clinton administration
Gabriel Sandoval, Former Senior Advisor and Director of Policy, Obama White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics & Senior Counsel in the U.S. Dept. of Education Office for Civil Rights 
Oscar Ramirez, Latino Victory National Committee Member and Obama Administration and Campaign Alumni 
Jennifer Godinez, Latinx Community Leader, Minnesota
Vielka Wambold, Hispanic Community Leader Charlotte County, Florida
Marcie Stefan, Hispanic Community Leader Alachua County, Florida
Mily Cancio, Hispanic Community Leader Collier County, Florida
Rolando Chang Barrero, Hispanic Community Leader and Small Business Owner, West Palm Beach, Florida 
 
Angela Lang, Criminal Justice Advocate, Wisconsin 
Irvin Camacho, Bail Reform Leader and Immigrant Rights Advocate, Arkansas
Ciriac Alvarez, Immigrant Rights Advocate, Utah
Valeria Jimenez, Immigrant Rights Advocate, Utah 
Laura Padilla, Immigrant Rights Advocate, Illinois
Joe Bravo, Immigrant Rights Advocate, Florida
Jessica Jin, Gun Reform Advocate, California
Diego Garcia, Gun Reform Advocate, Illinois
Rolando Rios, Voting Rights Attorney & Advocate, Texas
Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie, United Church of Christ Ordained Minister, Director of the Center for Peace and Spirituality and University chaplain at Pacific University,Oregon
Casey Antonio Williams, Vice President, El Paso Queer Bar Association, Texas 
Libby Adler, Prof of Law & Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, Massachusetts
Dr. Manuel Berriozábal, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Texas
Emily M. Farris, Associate Professor of Political Science, Texas 
Marcelino Quiñonez, Educator, former Roosevelt School District Governing Board Member, Arizona
Kaki Blackburn, Educator, Senior Policy Fellow, Teach Plus California, California
Geronimo Rodriguez, President, Austin Independent School District, Texas (* Title for informational purposes only)
Christopher Jimenez, Founder, Montebello Youth Leadership Club, California 
Marshall Martinez, Community Leader, New Mexico 
Raj Salhotra, Houston Community Leader, Texas
Ray Mancera, El Paso Community Leader, Texas
Margarita Ortega, Minneapolis Native Community Leader, Minnesota
Lance LaMont, Minneapolis Native Community Leader, Minnesota 
Erica Jacquez, Los Angeles Community Leader, California
Christian Arana, San Francisco Community Leader, California
Montebello Youth Leadership Club
 
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About Secretary Julián Castro
Julián Castro served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama from 2014-2017. Before that, he was Mayor of his native San Antonio, Texas — the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city at the time. In 2012, he gave a rousing keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, during which he described the American Dream as a relay to be passed from generation to generation. In 2018, Castro founded Opportunity First, an organization to invest in the next generation of progressive leaders. In October 2018, Little, Brown published Castro’s memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream. On January 12, 2019, Secretary Castro announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Follow Julián Castro on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. JulianfortheFuture.com and Julianparaelfuturo.com.