18 women candidates to watch for the 2018 midterms

7. Veronica Escobar (D)

State: Texas
Race: 16th District
Platform highlights: Escober acknowledges that initial trade agreements such as NAFTA heavily and often negatively impacted border towns like El Paso — at first. Now, she argues, existing trade agreements benefit many in her district. Changing trade agreements could devastate local economies that have adapted to NAFTA and similar systems.

She also speaks of the importance of immigration to her communities, calling for immigration reform that allows breaks for immigrants who are nonviolent, educated, and/or DREAMERs who were taken to the United States as minor children.

Escobar also supports improved healthcare access via a single payer healthcare system. Her healthcare plan also includes specific support for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Women and families receive particular attention in this plan, where Escobar promises that she will fight for equal pay across genders, paid family leave, and improved childcare support for women and working families. That’s bound to be a big focus in a state where, despite traditionally Republican leanings, a growing number of urban populations and immigrants could push legislators into a more blue space.

Why you should watch out for her: Escobar was, until fairly recently a County Commissioner and El Paso County Judge. She stands a good chance of winning her election, not least because she has an established judicial and legislative track record.

If she does win election as a representative, Escobar will become one of potentially two women running for office in the state who would break barriers. They would be the first-ever Latinas to represent Texas in Congress.

Campaign website: www.veronicaescobar.com