Battleground Ad Promotes HD-113 Challenger

In a campaign video released Thursday by Battleground Texas, the Democratic candidate in the Dallas County-based HD-113, Milton Whitley, emphasizes his humble beginnings in introducing himself to voters. A son of sharecroppers, Whitley traces his professional career from busboy to restaurant owner to high school counselor.

"My students — and my neighbors — deserve a state legislator who believes in them. Because in many ways, we all share the same dreams: of a good job, a safe home, of seeing our children excel, of growing old with dignity and security," Whitley says. "I will never forget where I came from. It is not in my nature to accept defeat. Don’t let anyone tell you we can’t make a difference together. I believe we can."

Whitley is challenging Cindy Burkett in a district anchored in the Garland and Mesquite areas. BGTX calls the district "potentially competitive" because of demographic changes and notes that Whitley would the district's first African American representative in more than two decades.