Fort Worth Sen. Wendy Davis said she was by her father's side when he passed away early Thursday.
Davis spent much of the last two weeks caring for her ailing father, 77-year-old Jerry Russell. He was in critical condition at a local hospital following complications from a surgery.
She announced his passing on Facebook.
"I am heartbroken to report that my father, Jerry Russell, passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning. He was surrounded by his children and his wife, our stepmom, Suzi. During his time in the hospital, there was never a moment that one of us wasn't by his side. We, and the community, will forever be grateful for the significant impact he made on our lives. He and his warm, sparkling brown eyes will be deeply missed. My family and I thank you for surrounding us with your prayers and comfort during this time."
Russell was a theater pioneer. He was an actor, director, producer and businessman and founded Stage West in Fort Worth.
Davis delayed announcements about her future political career because of her father. She said she wanted to concentrate on caring for him and had hoped he would be able to join her when she does announce her plans.
The Democrat lawmaker gained national fame earlier this year after a filibuster of a late-term abortion bill. Many supporters are now calling for her to run for Texas governor.
Goal ThermometerA total of 76,000 of you signed that petition, while another 2,753 of you gave $67,000 to her state Senate campaign account on ActBlue (which she can transfer to her gubernatorial campaign). Many of our allies launched similar efforts, and the clamor for Wendy inside Texas was deafening. She just finally announced that yes, she is taking the plunge.
Compounding the challenge, the GOP's frontrunner, Attorney General Greg Abbott, has already amassed about $20 million for his bid. Texas is an expensive state, so money is critical. But without campaign finance limits, Republicans are able to pile on the campaign cash far easier than Democrats. A successful Wendy Davis effort will require an all-hands on deck across the country. And trust me, we'll certainly want to do that, lest we have Ted Cruz, Jr. running Texas: It's a CRUZ MISSILE: Shout out to @GregAbbott_TX from @SenTedCruz during#standwithrand filibuster!! — @GregAbbott_TX
But this is bigger than just getting rid of Baby Cruz, it's about accelerating trends that will eventually make Texas purple, then blue, whether Republicans like it or not (see here, here and here).
And that's what Wendy Davis represents: the kind of inspirBut this is bigger than just getting rid of Baby Cruz, it's about accelerating trends that will eventually make Texas purple, then blue, whether Republicans like it or not (see here, here and here). But why wait until 2024 if we don't have to?ing progressive leader Texas has lacked for a long time, one who promises to activate those Democratic-leaning voters who refuse to participate out of apathy, weariness, or loss of hope that anything can improve their lives. But with Texas corporate interests flooding the zone, victory will require hands-on work from every able progressive Texas, and the financial support of the rest of us in the other 49 states.
Don't be shy. Engage in this battle. Because if we take away Texas from the GOP, they'll have nothing of consequence left.
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