Over the years many of us have had an opportunity to know Sen. Watson and experience the success of his hard work fighting for Texas families. Draft Kirk Watson is a movement of concerned Texans invested in supporting an experienced, open, and prepared candidate ready to face the problems created by a lack of leadership in the Governor’s Mansion. Together we represent a call for change in the Texas Capitol, so we can begin to focus on families instead of privatization, work to provide healthcare to our newest Texans instead of debate divisive policies, and improve the quality of our environment instead of gamble with our future. 

Times are tough. Unemployment is high and still climbing, wage cuts and hiring freezes are rampant, and the future of our investments is uncertain. But Texans are strong and steady, and we face these challenges with resiliency. We create opportunity by building a brighter future, and drafting Kirk Watson is our first step.

Please join us in drafting Sen. Kirk Watson for Governor, because you know Texas deserves better. We also encourage you to read State Senator Leticia Van de Putte’s statement below and sign the petition to draft Sen. Watson to run for Governor.

Prominent Democrats must put personal ambitions aside and very pragmatically nominate the person best equipped to win in November. Just because one can win the Democratic nomination for Governor doesn’t mean one should, unless he or she is best positioned to defeat the Republican nominee in the fall.

That’s why I think Senator Kirk Watson should raise his sights and run for Governor. I’ve watched as Senator Watson has emerged as a leader in the state Senate on the issues of most importance to Texans. While staying true to Democratic values, he is a bipartisan pragmatic leader solidly focused on addressing the priorities of all Texans. I intend to lobby Senator Watson to run for governor, and I’ll wholeheartedly support him if he does. But if he declines, Democrats should recruit and support someone who, like Watson, is energetic, pragmatic, focused, and smart; and who can fully energize Democratic supporters while also attracting a broad range of independent voters in every region of the state.

Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte