Javier Cazares, because of a crisis in his life, has decided to run to be elected as a write-in candidate for Uvalde County Commissioner in Precinct 2. He is the father of Jacklyn Cazares, who was killed at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas last May 24.
Javier, like most parents, never imagined that he would lose his daughter to such horrific violence. Immediately, Javier and his family were called to stand up and fight for justice for his daughter, and for all the victims and to speak out for accountability and responsibility at the local, state, and national levels. He, along with other parents and family members, will continue to advocate and speak from the heart to all that can assist in preventing future tragedies like those that took the lives of 21 beautiful people at Robb Elementary — an event that never should have happened.
Like many of us, he is a hard-working father who never thought about holding a political position and has had to relive the agony by continuing to speak in public about his most painful nightmare. He made a promise to his daughter that he will do everything within his power to protect all children. We have seen him take these steps from Day 1 and we look forward to him holding office and continuing his journey to protect human lives.
This will not be an easy campaign because there is the 15-year incumbent plus two other write-in candidates. It is an uphill struggle, but one he has joined and could win.
He has gained the support of State Sen. Roland Gutiérrez, Texas gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, all the victims’ families, and many community supporters.
Recently, he was endorsed by Dolores Huerta, president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation and co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America.
There are large murals honoring the victims from Robb Elementary on the walls of businesses in Uvalde. Javier takes visitors to see the lovely mural of Jacklyn. He is learning how to reach out to voters and to raise money for his most important campaign.
We need more parents to get involved in their local politics because they have the knowledge and passion for their communities.
While Javier works to be a good candidate, he is pulled into school board and city council meetings as well as congressional hearings, press conferences, rallies, and marches in his pursuit of justice and ultimately for changes that would ensure saving the lives of more students in the future.
While Javier is not a polished public speaker like the typical politicians, he does speak with a strong passion from his heart that cannot be denied.
This is one of the new and important voices we need. Javier has shown that he will use his voice to help end the senseless violence that has engulfed our country.
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