Political Updates
Chapter Four: The Politics of Elections and Parties

Racial/Ethnic Politics, pg. 163

By the turn of the century, candidates for elective office and the two major political parties recognized the importance of African American and Latino voters. Although more likely to vote for Democratic candidates, neither group is unified in its support. Candidates for statewide office actively seek the endorsement and support of Texans from all ethnic and racial groups. Elected officials who are members of historical minority groups are often Republicans. For example, Republican Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams and Texas Supreme Court Justice Wallace Bernard Jefferson are both African American.