I have proven myself to be a leader who can get things done by working well with both Republicans and Democrats - that remains all too rare in D.C.," said Pete Gallego. Congressman Hurd has made a series of bad moves during his short time in office including: Abandoning his job on the House Committee on Small Business even though small businesses account for 99% of Texas employers. Throwing the men and women of the Border Patrol, Customs and other Department of Homeland Security agencies under the bus by supporting legislation designed to score political points at the expense of safety along our 800-mile border with Mexico. Supporting legislation that would devastate Big Bend National Park and the many small and family businesses across southwest Texas who rely on tourism for their income. Gallego added, "Seeing Congressman Hurd so decisively on the wrong side of issues that matter to Texas families like mine made this an easier decision for María Elena, Nicolás and me. Texas families deserve better - so yes, I am going to run and I am going to win." Gallego lost by a slim margin in 2014 despite running 6 points ahead of the statewide Democratic ticket while Congressman Hurd ran 8 points behind the Republican ticket. Gallego's independent streak and his history of working across party lines has won him massive crossover support including: In 2008, he outperformed the President by 22 points to win his legislative district 64/36. In 2010, Pete was the only Democrat in the country to win a state legislative district that McCain won in 2008. In 2012, Pete won his first congressional race in TX23 by 5 points while Romney won the district by 3 and Ted Cruz carried it by 6. "If there is one single race that Texas Democrats will be judged upon in 2016 - this is it," said State Representative Poncho Nevarez. "Pete and I have been friends for years and - unlike Congressman Will Hurd - I know we can count on Pete to be a voice and a vote for Texas' many hardworking families." The Gallego campaign will begin a listening tour of the district over the Summer and hold a series of kick-off events in the Fall.