Texas’s Latino voters showed up in 2018 and showed that Texas is in play in 2020. Now the state is the biggest battleground in the country.

Former President Barack Obama has now released his first round of 2020 endorsements — including the endorsements of key Latina candidates running for office in Texas.

“I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic, and highly qualified Democrats,” tweeted Obama on Aug. 3. “ If you’re in one of their districts or states, make sure you vote for them this fall. And if you can, vote early — by mail or in person.”

Candace Valenzuela, Natali Hurtado, and Joanna Cattanch were each endorsed by the former U.S. president, with each subsequently expressing their gratitude, and calling their supporters into action.

In a roundtable call with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Valenzuela further expressed the importance of the endorsement to AL DÍA News.

“It means a lot. It means a whole lot,” Valenzuela began.

She went on to say any endorsement she receives is important, especially when they come from within her community — people who fight for her every day.

“So many organizations have served with me in this race who are doing the work to make sure democracy is something we can preserve. Having something as precious as the trust of President Obama is… it fills my heart.” Valenzuela continued. “But it’s completely meaningless to my five-year old.”

Hurtado is running for Texas House District 126, with hopes to unseat an incumbent Republican.

“And like that 2020 became a year for the books! So honored to have the endorsement of Barack Obama, I’m at a loss for words...well not really, now that we have Obama we need YOU!” Hurtado tweeted. 
 

“As a Latina, mother and businesswoman I’m committed to making sure Latinos, women and working families have their voices heard, loud and clear,” Hurtado told Al DÍA in June.

“I am proud to be among an amazing class of Democrats working to win the greatest prize in Texas, flipping the State House, and helping to maintain the Democratic majority in Congress,” Cattanach tweeted in response to Obama’s endorsement. 
 

Now Cattanach calls Dallas her home, and believes her district needs a new voice and leadership. 

Obama’s endorsement is a pivotal moment in each of these candidates campaigns, but it will come down to November, when their communities’ own endorsements will be put to the test.