Jan 9 updates
Happy Friday, friends!
Another busy week on the campaign trail is in the books, with each day bringing us closer and closer to the primary election on March 3rd. My daily block walks and "block bikes" teach me a lot. Voters tell me loud and clear that what they want more than anything else is decency, an end to corruption, and to get back to caring for each other. I hear much concern over our schools: funding and quality, energy sustainability with data centers, and the feeling that their voices, as Democrats, are not heard. This feedback strengthens my resolve ever more.
In between knocking-doors, I joined a few Democratic clubs and advocacy groups.
Weekly Recap
I greatly enjoyed my time with the Black Austin Democrats. I loved discussing real ways to get young Black people involved in politics and the full range of affordability issues. I so appreciate the quality time Black Austin Democrats give each of us candidates. They invest in 30 minute 1:1 interviews, an unusual and very welcome process.
Wednesday night, I had a great time at AURA's January social and candidate forum for Districts 49 and 50. AURA is a volunteer group of Austinites who advocate for affordable homes, better public transportation, and making Austin a more walkable (and bikeable) city. I share AURA's priorities for efficient mass transit and housing stock that working people can afford. Bipartisan support is a necessity to make progress for Texans. Working together with non-profit and industry partners alike, we can widen the table and build coalitions to increase investment and raise awareness.
Today, I'll be doing a webinar with Mothers Against Greg Abbott. "MAGA" creates "trading cards" for candidates that serves as a guide for voters. It's an absolutely brilliant idea and mine will be ready next week!
Next Week at a Glance
Next week, I've got even more to look forward to, starting with an event on Sunday hosted by my friend and local artist, Mindy Graber. We'll be focusing on uplifting our creative community--artists, musicians, writers, and more--who give this city its unique culture and vibrant identity. Artists must not be forgotten or left behind in this AI boom, and must be center of mind when discussing affordability. .
Monday | Circle C Area Democrats Endorsement Forum
Tuesday | City of Austin LGBTQIA Commission Invitation
Wednesday | House party
Thursday | House party
Friday | Austin Environmental Democrats Endorsement Forum + the AND Podcast Interview
Saturday | NETCo Candidate Forum + Tejano Democrats Candidate Forum + House party
**I block-walk or block-bike every weekday from 2:30 - 6:00 pm and on weekends from 11am to 6 pm. It's a lot, but meeting voters is deeply rewarding!
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Longhorns for Lerner
Did you know that approximately 25% of eligible voters in district 49 are students at The University of Texas at Austin? Young people are the heart and future of this city, and we are so lucky to have so many amazing students (from UT and beyond!) on this campaign team. We have launched our UT-focused outreach, branded “Longhorns for Lerner”, and we would love your support in spreading the word! If you know any Longhorn students or alumni and want to share, check out our newly created Longhorns for Lerner Instagram!
Speaking of amazing students... I'd love to introduce you to them. We have so many, so let's start with my executive assistant, Abby Kaushika and our deputy campaign manager Brandon Clear both of whom have been invaluable to this campaign, but Brandon especially as he daily goes above and beyond both in the field and in our operations generally. Then, I'd also like you to meet our Press and Media Relations queen, Grace Lehrmann, who weekly prepares these newsletters, and our brilliant Policy and Research team lead, Isaiah Mosley, who makes sure we have verified answers to some of the tough questions I hear at candidate forums.
Abby Kaushika is a sophomore at UT majoring in Government and minoring in Fashion and Consumer Sciences. In her free time, she is a choreographer for Reggaeton Dance Club. Connect with Abby on LinkedIn!
Brandon Clear is a senior at UT majoring in International Relations and Global Studies with a concentration in Western Europe and Security Studies. In his free time, Brandon enjoys performing in musicals as well as reading, writing, and rewatching The West Wing and Scandal. Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn!
Grace Lehrmann is a senior at Texas State University majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Media Studies. In her free time, she enjoys reading, being an active member in her sorority Gamma Phi Beta, and writing for her sorority’s magazine. Connect with Grace on LinkedIn.
Isaiah Mosley is a Plan II Honors senior at UT majoring in Women's and Gender Studies. In his free time, Isaiah enjoys politics, reading, working out, and all things creative. You can connect with him on LinkedIn
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We have yard signs available! If you would like one and live in district 49, we would love to deliver one to you! Please fill out this form: Yard Sign Request!
To stay updated, please check out our socials–we appreciate the follows! Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Website
If you’d like to make another donation or share our campaign with your friends, please visit: https://www.robin4texas.com/contribute.
As always, thank you! I deeply appreciate your support and encouragement in this campaign! Until next time...
Have a great weekend,
Robin Lerner
