Filipino-American Candidate Averie Bishop Energizes North Texas in High-Stakes Election

Early Voting Began in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex on Oct. 21

By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published October 23, 2024.

Early voting for the 2024 election has officially begun in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, with candidates and voters actively participating in the process. Among those drawing significant attention is Democratic candidate Averie Bishop, whose candidacy has resonated strongly with the Filipino American community, a rapidly growing demographic in North Texas.

Bishop, 28, is campaigning on a platform that advocates for increased funding for public schools, overturning the state’s abortion ban, expanding affordable healthcare, and stimulating local economic growth. She is challenging 70-year-old Republican incumbent Angie Chen Button in the race for the Texas House District 112 seat, which includes the cities of Richardson, Garland, and Rowlett in Dallas County. Bishop made history in 2022 as the first Asian American woman to be crowned Miss Texas, and her campaign focuses on issues like education, healthcare access, and inclusion—topics that resonate with both the Filipino American community and other minority groups in the area.

Bishop’s personal story has struck a chord with many in the Filipino American community. Born and raised in North Texas, her mother, a Filipino immigrant, worked multiple jobs to support the family, giving Bishop insight into the challenges faced by many immigrant families. While attending high school at Prosper ISD, she co-founded The Tulong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educational equity. She has been an advocate for marginalized communities and became active in civic engagement during her time at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law.

Her campaign has emphasized the importance of diverse representation in local government, a message that has energized her supporters. North Texas, traditionally a Republican stronghold, has experienced significant demographic shifts over the past decade, with growing Hispanic, Asian, and Black populations making the region more politically competitive. Bishop’s candidacy is seen by many as part of a broader shift toward a more inclusive political landscape in Texas.

For the Filipino American community in DFW, which now exceeds 80,000 people, Bishop's run is seen as a pivotal moment. Her campaign has received support from organizations such as the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce and the Filipino American National Historical Society, which view her candidacy as a step toward greater political representation for their community. Filipinos are among the fastest-growing Asian American populations in Texas, and many see Bishop as a voice for their concerns, which have historically been overlooked in state politics.

This election season in Dallas County is particularly significant, with Democrats focusing on flipping the remaining Republican-held districts in North Texas, including District 112. Both parties are working to mobilize voters, especially in competitive districts like this one. A victory for Democrats could signal a broader shift in Texas politics, while Republicans aim to maintain their control of suburban areas.

Bishop's race, which had its official launch party Oct. 13, has garnered attention beyond the Filipino community due to its potential impact on statewide political trends. Her opponent, Button, has held her seat in the Texas House since 2009, representing a district that has become increasingly competitive in recent years as the region has begun shifting in favor towards Democrats.

Button, who champions Greg Abbott’s voucher plan for private education and the DEI ban, has long focused on reducing barriers for technology investment and supporting Texas’ economic competition on the world stage, which has included voting against legislation that would raise statewide wages and for large corporate tax breaks. Born in Taiwan where she graduated from the National Taiwan University, Button came to the United States during the Great Retreat where she received a Master of Science from the University of Texas at Dallas in Management and Administrative Sciences. In 2008 she was endorsed by State Senator Florence Shapiro to run for the House seat, which she successfully won in 2009. 

With early voting underway, both campaigns are making concerted efforts to energize their respective voter bases in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the region. The 2024 election holds significant importance for the Filipino community in North Texas, with Bishop’s campaign offering a fresh perspective on leadership in a state as diverse as Texas.

More information on early voting can be found here.

*Editor's Note:

This article is intended to provide coverage of the ongoing Texas House race and early voting, highlighting a candidate involved in the Filipino American community that audiences are familiar with. The Bayanihan Press remains impartial and does not endorse any candidate or political party. Our goal is to inform the public about the candidates, their platforms, and the potential impact of the election on the community.