The liberal former Miss Texas, Averie Bishop, is challenging Texas GOP state Rep. Angie Chen Button for her seat.
Bishop, 26, drew national attention for her outspoken criticism of conservatives in a generally conservative state, using her position to advocate liberal causes such as abortion access, gun control, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Her outspokenness regarding politics was a break from pageant tradition. She is now running for public office against a longtime Republican representative.
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In a statement obtained by the Texas Tribune, Bishop let the direction of her campaign be known.
“I know what it’s like to grow up in a small town and never see leaders who looked like me, let alone who fought for me,” it said. “It’s time for the next generation of Texans to lead — to protect our state’s environment and economy, to safeguard our schools and our right to education, and to truly represent the majority of this great state.”
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The influencer grew her platform through the use of the social media platform TikTok, through which she advocated liberal causes to a large audience. She has personally lobbied the state legislature for several issues, including support for DEI programs.
Bishop’s opponent, Button, has held her seat since 2009. In 2020, she won by roughly 300 votes in a district that voted for President Joe Biden by a margin of 9 percentage points.
