Turner Out-Raises All Other Candidates Combined in Latest Reports

Former State Representative Has Campaign Cash Advantage and Momentum in District 93

 ARLINGTON – Former State Representative Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) has outraised both of the other candidates combined in the race for the new state house District 93 that includes much of Arlington and Grand Prairie.   Turner’s campaign also has more cash-on-hand than the other two candidates in the race.

From July 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, Turner raised $76,419, ending with cash reserves of $43,951.  Turner’s campaign received a total of 175 individual contributions, two-thirds of which came locally from Tarrant County.  In contrast, the other two candidates together raised a total of $62,295 and had $38,080.83 on hand.

“Our campaign’s strong fundraising is proof that District 93 wants a state representative who has a proven track record of standing up for Democratic priorities and being an effective voice for Tarrant County,” said Turner.  “I am humbled by the strong support we have received from Tarrant County teachers, veterans, union members, small business owners and retirees, and it’s that kind of support that will win this race,” Turner said.  “And while I am thrilled with our fundraising success, this campaign remains, at its core, a grassroots effort focused on fighting for what counts for working families in Arlington and Grand Prairie.”

Turner’s fundraising and cash-on-hand is particularly impressive since he entered the race last July at an 11 to 1 cash-on-hand disadvantage compared to one of his opponents.

“It is clear that Chris Turner has the momentum in this race: given the unique circumstances of this election – redistricting, the primary date postponement and continued uncertainty over the new district lines – our campaign’s fundraising is all the more impressive and meaningful,” said Turner campaign manager, Kate Fox.  “It’s further proof that Tarrant County Democrats know and trust Chris Turner to fight for our values in Austin.”

Turner served both as campaign manager and district director to former U.S. Representative Chet Edwards (D-Waco).  Prior to that, in the late 1990s, Turner was Executive Director of the Tarrant County Democratic Party, working with Democrats in Arlington and Grand Prairie.

In his first term in the House of Representatives, Turner proved he could get results: he passed the landmark law that established a dedicated lottery scratch off ticket for Texas veterans.  This initiative has already raised more than $16 million to pay for much-needed benefits for veterans and their families. Turner also wrote the law that requires electric utility companies to provide notice to consumers when their contract is about to expire.

Turner and his wife, Lisa, have lived in southern Tarrant County for 14 years and their two children, Melissa and Scott, both graduated from Mansfield Summit High School.