Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Riley Rodriquez, Texas State Senate District 28
A hot issue in politics these days is the question of how Democrats will win elections again in rural areas. There are different answers: run on economic issues only, run blue-collar candidates, run someone deeply-embedded and well-known in the area. Today we are profiling a candidate who checks all three boxes. Riley Rodriquez (he/him), is a millennial who has held a number of jobs in his native West Texas: cowboy, oilfield hand, and small business owner. Riley’s platform focuses on healthcare and education as a human right, free school meals, and empowering the working class to take power back from the ruling elite.
Where are you based?
Abilene, TX
What position are you running for?
Texas State Senate
How would you briefly summarize your platform?
The main plank of my platform is fighting back against Data centers and corporate carveouts and corruption in the state of Texas which exacerbates all the other issues my state faces. I am advocating for those experiencing food insecurity, bringing affordable healthcare to every Texan, bringing down rents and cost of living and protecting Civil rights and the Constitution by holding ICE accountable for their violations of the 4th amendment.
What inspired you to run?
I live in Abilene where the Stargate center was being built and the issues this center has faced and the tax carveouts it received have caused widespread issues for many who were already struggling. Our state has become unrecognizable and has been sold out by corporate cronies. When I see I problem I fix it.
What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I hope to eliminate the corporate carveouts, and create a system for rural Texans to receive the resources they deserve like convenient healthcare, food support, and to help bring long term sustainable jobs to the area that don't drive up costs overnight.
What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The most important issues we are having are the influx of hyperspace data centers driving up costs and driving residents out. I plan to eliminate property tax abatements as economic development incentives and eliminate sales tax exemptions on utilities for industrial users.
America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
To return us to common sense policy built on class consciousness and kitchen table issues. I've always believed more and less work and creating a coalition is the way we protect all of our communities.
How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
Yes, many of our representatives do not know what it's like to be on the edge, to choose between gas or groceries, or how it feels to have to cross your fingers and hope your landlord will give you an extra week to put together rent money.
They also have no idea how a social safety net can help a person get on their feet and in the game, like I was able to do, experiencing the full spectrum of life and my youth will help me fight for the people that don't have millions to buy a politician.
What is your motto in life?
The best time to act is right now.
Where can we find out more about you?
rileyforsenate.org
Instagram @riley4statesenate
TikTok riley4statesenate
Facebook Riley Rodriquez for State senate
A hot issue in politics these days is the question of how Democrats will win elections again in rural areas. There are different answers: run on economic issues only, run blue-collar candidates, run someone deeply-embedded and well-known in the area. Today we are profiling a candidate who checks all three boxes. Riley Rodriquez (he/him), is a millennial who has held a number of jobs in his native West Texas: cowboy, oilfield hand, and small business owner. Riley’s platform focuses on healthcare and education as a human right, free school meals, and empowering the working class to take power back from the ruling elite.