Former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, now U.S. Housing Secretary, introduced Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton today, as she paid a visit to the Alamo City. The rally launched Clinton’s effort to energize Latino voters.
Clinton is no stranger to South Texas. She campaigned throughout the area decades ago for presidential candidate George McGovern, and worked to register Latino voters.
At the Historic Sunset Station, banners and buttons read "La Hillary, estoy contigo" – I’m with you.
Julian Castro endorsed Clinton for President. He’s long been mentioned as a possible running mate if Clinton wins the Democratic nomination.
“In 2016 the Latino community is going to play a critical role in electing our next president,” says Castro.
Many in the audience believe the young, popular Castro in the Clinton campaign could result in higher Latino voter turnout next year.
At the rally, Clinton spoke to a wide range of issues important to some Hispanics including a higher minimum wage, immigration reform, and better education for young Latinos.
“Too many first-generation college students aren’t graduating," says Clinton. "And the number one reason is because they can’t afford it. They are just as smart. They work just as hard.”
Among the hundreds of attendees was George Bonilla – 1 of 45 machinist union members who made the trip from Houston to support Clinton.
"We endorsed her because we believe she has the interest of the working families," says Bonilla, "and believe that she has the best platform to move the American middle class forward.”
One recent poll shows Hillary Clinton as the leading presidential candidate among likely Texas Democratic voters. National polls show her trailing Bernie Sanders in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.
