Democrats Gear Up for Possible Davis Gubernatorial Run

Though speculation is still rampant on state Sen. Wendy Davis’ possible run for governor, some Democratic groups aren’t waiting for her call before pledging their support. 

Annie’s List, a political group that supports Democratic female candidates, announced the launch of WeWantWendyDavis.com Tuesday after reserving the domain name earlier this week.

“Besides wanting to show Wendy Davis that she has a broad network of people who want her to run, we wanted to also ask people what they wanted to do to help her,” said executive director Grace Ann Garcia. “We consider this an online recruiting effort on our part.”

The website allows supporters to fill out a form indicating opportunities to support a possible gubernatorial bid, including hosting house parties, volunteering and donating money.

“We know that she’s looking at [a run for the governor’s office],” said Garcia, citing Davis’ comments at the National Press Club last week.  “We just thought we’d help her a little bit.”

Battleground Texas, a Democratic campaign to make the heavily Republican state politically competitive, is also ramping up for a possible run, emailing supporters Tuesday with a petition to encourage Davis to run for governor.

“It's clear that if Texas Democrats want any chance of beating Attorney General Greg Abbott and his multi-million dollar war chest next November, we need somebody strong to take on the challenge. I think Wendy's just the right woman for the job,” executive director Jenn Brown wrote in the email. “But before she makes a decision, Wendy needs to know that you're behind her.”

The petition also offers a free “I want Wendy” sticker to signees.

The Lone Star Project, a group that provides political research, policy analysis and direct and in-kind assistance to Democratic candidates, launched a similar petition Tuesday urging supporters to sign and donate money. 

The Texas Democratic Party also threw its support behind a potential Davis gubernatorial bid on Tuesday afternoon, urging supporters to sign its petition.

In an email, Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa promised supporters would "phone bank every day, volunteer in campaign offices, donate to the campaign, host events in our homes and talk to everyone we know about why we want Wendy Davis as the next governor of Texas."

But if Davis chooses to run for her state Senate seat again, she will still have a wellspring of support, Garcia said.

“It will be a targeted race — it’s a swing district,” she said. “We’ll support her in her re-election battle” if need be, she added.