Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Crystal Sedillo, Texas House of Representatives, District 30

There has been recent talk of a Blue Wave coming for Texas. Texas has seemed tantalizingly close for Democrats for over a decade now, always on the cusp of becoming a “blue” state. Indeed, there are more Democrats in the US House of Representatives from Texas than any state except for California, New York, and Illinois. In the Texas House of Representatives, there are 62 (out of 150), or over 40%.

Texas’ 30th District, a sprawling district between Houston and San Antonio, is currently held by a Republican, but Democrats are betting that the district will flip in 2026, to Crystal Sedillo (her/she), a millennial Latina and mother of six who is native to the district and has a background in education. Crystal is very active in local activism, advocating for her neighbors by working to stop the building of data centers, create free programs for schoolchildren, and prevent local African American history from being erased. In her campaign platform, Crystal is most passionate about preserving and expanding civil rights and workers’ rights and exposing corruption. Her priorities include strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable health care, protecting voting rights, and creating economic opportunities in underserved communities.

Where are you based?
I am based in Bay City, Texas, which is in Matagorda County, on the Texas Gulf Coast.

What position are you running for?
I am running for Texas House Representative, District 30, which consists of six counties including Matagorda, Victoria, Jackson, Lavaca, Goliad & DeWitt Counties.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
My platform is to advocate for true change with reform in healthcare, immigration, and public education funding, as well as affordability, housing, equal opportunities, fair wages, cost of living adjustments, women’s rights and so much more.

What inspired you to run?
I was inspired to run because I was so tired of sitting back and watching us get further away from progress. I am determined to do something about it. I am challenging all my neighbors to join me in those efforts not only by running for office, but by showing up in record numbers to exercise our right to vote.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
My district has a lower rate of college graduates than the average district in Texas, as well as a higher poverty rate. I am running to change that by expanding educational opportunities, strengthening our public schools, and creating pathways that help families build stability and long term success.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The most critical issues to me are strengthening public education, expanding access to health and mental health care, and improving economic stability for working families. Rural communities like mine face higher poverty rates and fewer educational opportunities, and I am committed to changing that by fighting for equitable school funding, better healthcare access, and policies that help families build longterm stability. I am also dedicated to protecting civil rights and promoting transparent, ethical leadership so every Texan feels heard and represented.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
Something I have been consistently doing in my campaign is trying to reach the people in general. My target audience is not a specific party, gender, age or any other demographic other than Texans who are fed up. We all want the same things, good public schools, safe environments, affordable living, and access to quality healthcare. These things are not complicated, they are basic needs and it should not be so difficult to provide Texans with what they need, being that we are the eighth strongest economy in the world. I try to get people to see that there is no left and no right, only the people vs “the power.”

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I am a multicultural woman with a multicultural family. There is no specific group I lean towards other than “the common man.” I understand the values of diverse cultures and understand the value of respect for diversity. That respect, and open mindedness, paired with my belief in the effectiveness of open dialogue amongst leaders and constituents are my strengths.

What is your motto in life?
My motto is to believe in the impossible, to dream big, and to always be true to yourself. Cling to honesty and empathy and never let them go.

Where can we find out more about you?
You can find out more about me at www.crystalsedillo.com. You can find me on Instagram as @crystalfortx, and my campaign page on Facebook is, “Crystal Sedillo for Texas House Rep- District 30.”