Victor Morales (politician)

Victor M. Morales
Victor M. Morales
Born	November 15, 1949 (age 75)
Occupation	Educator
Known for	1996 United States Senate election in Texas

Last updated November 27, 2024

Victor M. Morales (born November 15, 1949) is an American teacher who was the Democratic Party's nominee for the 1996 United States Senate election in Texas in 1996. Morales was a 46-year-old Vietnam War veteran and civics teacher at Poteet High School in Mesquite, Texas when his students dared him to run for Senate and he did.^[1]

Early life and education

Morales was born November 15, 1949, in Racine, Wisconsin. He was in the navy 1970-72 and served in the Philippines and Vietnam during the Vietnam War.^[2] He graduated from Texas A&I University in 1976. He was a city council member in Crandall, Texas. He danced competitively.

Political career

Morales, who had never run for public office before, pulled a major upset in the primary by defeating three politicians: U.S. Congressman John Wiley Bryant, U.S. Congressman Jim Chapman, and former State Supreme Court litigator John Odam. He campaigned around the state in his pickup truck. His campaign slogan was "Porque no? or "Why Not?" His only previous political experience was a two-year term on the City Council of his hometown of Crandall, Texas.^[1] In the March run-off, he defeated Bryant with 51% of the vote. Many political observers thought he benefitted from having the same last name as Dan Morales, the Texas Attorney General, and that voters confused the two of them.^[3] He became the first minority candidate in Texas history to become a United States Senate nominee from either major party. Despite having no staff, raising only $15,000, and not accepting any special interest money he obtained over 2.4 million votes.^[4]

Exit polls showed that Morales won African Americans' votes (79% to 19%) and Latinos (79% to 20%) respectively.^{[ citation needed ]} Though Morales lost, his effort was an important moment for the Hispanic community. "It's just rejuvenated the community, paving the way for future candidates ... there's a lot of excitement because of what he was able to do."^[5]

Morales would proceed to lose political campaigns in 1998 for the U.S. House of Representatives, in 2002 for the U.S. Senate, in 2006 for the U.S. House of Representatives, and finally in 2008 for the Texas House of Representatives.

Personal life

Morales is of Mexican descent. His daughter, Julia Morales, is a sports anchor and reporter with the Houston Astros.^[6]

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References

1 2 Verhovek, Sam Howe (April 11, 1996). "Running on Dare, Teacher Wins Senate Primary". New York Times. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
↑ Swartz, Mimi (May 31, 1996). "Truckin'". Texas Monthly . Retrieved September 28, 2019.
↑ "The Unbearable Lightness of Victor".
↑ "Candidate - Victor M. Morales". OurCampaigns. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
↑ Meckler, Laura (November 6, 1996). "Women aim for modest gains". Tampa Bay Times – via Associated Press. Lloyd Monserratt
↑ 🖉 "Julia Morales lives up to inspiring, dynamic roots". La Vida Baseball. August 29, 2019.

External links

Annie "Mamá" Garcia - Insurgent candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas in 2020 described by the Texas Tribune as "one fed-up mama"

Party political offices
Preceded by Hugh Parmer	Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Texas (Class 2) 1996	Succeeded by Ron Kirk

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[nyt1-1] 1 2 Verhovek, Sam Howe (April 11, 1996). "Running on Dare, Teacher Wins Senate Primary". New York Times. Retrieved September 24, 2019.

[2] Swartz, Mimi (May 31, 1996). "Truckin'". Texas Monthly . Retrieved September 28, 2019.

[3] "The Unbearable Lightness of Victor".

[4] "Candidate - Victor M. Morales". OurCampaigns. Retrieved January 9, 2011.

[Tampa-5] Meckler, Laura (November 6, 1996). "Women aim for modest gains". Tampa Bay Times – via Associated Press. Lloyd Monserratt

[6] 🖉 "Julia Morales lives up to inspiring, dynamic roots". La Vida Baseball. August 29, 2019.

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