The Dallas Examiner
Candidate filings for next year’s March 6 primary elections are officially opened, with the potential for a new Texas governor underway.
With several contenders already filing the ticket, South Dallas native Cedric Davis seeks the electoral victory by becoming the first African American to pursue a governor position in Texas.
“Government is suppose to help, not hurt,” he said. “Right now, it’s hurting people and I want to be that person to make a difference.”
Davis’ campaign is adamant about advocating for three fixed issues in the state: equality for the poor and underrepresented, education equality for all children, and senior citizens’ rights.
“I’m always fighting for the little guy,” he said.
The potential candidate brings a unique background stemming from his experiences in lower level government as the former mayor of Balch Springs – the city’s first African American mayor – and an active community member who serves as a schoolteacher and frequent volunteer at homeless shelters and senior citizen homes.
However, Davis faces the challenge of being able to transition from being the mayor of a small town to being the governor of an entire state, if elected.
“I like to talk, and I talk to people from all parties – Democratic, Republican and Independent,” he said as he discussed how he would use his experience to maintain a governor position. “I travel to Washington, D.C., often to make it my mission to accomplish what I am trying to create. Whatever I go out and seek, it should be able to benefit everybody as a whole not just a piece.”
If he is elected as the next governor, the former mayor stated that he would first tackle Texas education and women’s rights.
“We have $2 billion in our rainy day fund,” he proclaimed. “We need to tap into that instead of letting it sit. Let’s use it on some of the things we’re going to need, like public education and putting towards the inner cities and women’s healthcare.”
Davis also said he will focus on resolving the dilemma between FEMA and victims of Hurricane Harvey, pointing out his disproval of how Gov. Greg Abbott is currently handling the situation.
“As the governor, he can call a special session that could get these guys back in [their homes] and figure out how much we can really take out of the [rainy day] fund without depleting it,” he noted. “We need to take a look at what can Texas do to help out until they get the FEMA money.”
With the possibility of Davis making Texas history, the nominee hopes to redirect the public’s eye on more important matters revolving around his campaign.
“Yes, I am the first African American to pursue this journey, but I don’t want people to look at my color,” he expressed. “I want people to look at my heart and my character. If I can make the world better at least my small part of the world better, I’m going to give it 125 percent because that is what I believe God put me here for.”
Before being eligible to challenge incumbent Greg Abbott, Davis must first encounter several other Democratic candidates for governor, such as Dallas club owner Jeffrey Payne, south Texas hospice owner Tom Wakely and possibly Dallas Sherriff Lupe Valdez.
Democratic filling for statewide government positions will be open until Dec. 11. The Texas gubernatorial election will take place Nov. 6, 2018.