True to Form

It all began when I met the Beto, Jody, and his team in Austin during Beto’s fi rst road trip while “town halling” across Texas in August 2017. I began documenting as much of the campaign as I could and along the way met so many amazing fellow artists and volunteers, whose stories have forever changed my life. By focusing on the collective experiences of other photographers, artists, designers and volunteers, I have gained a much greater understanding of why Beto’s campaign was diff erent.

Beto and his staff ’s focus on shared valuing, listening, respecting, and empowering came through in every single interaction. It was a game-changing campaign that spread like wildfi re. The campaign became a palpably heartfelt pursuit by everyone involved. Everyone gave their absolute all, generously contributing their talents, limitlessly devoting their time, endlessly supporting each other, growing each other’s knowledge, and working around the clock to the fi nish line. I will carry these lessons and stories with me from here forward and apply them in any way I can to my life and campaign experiences.

Although Beto didn’t carry the day in this Senate race, he carried the year with his message of change and optimism from his spot at the top of the ballot. Down ballot Democratic candidates were swept into Congress, the State Legislature, Texas Courts, and County offi ces across the state. Once again Texas is a two-party state, up and down the ballot, and Texas is ground zero in the 2020 election with Beto positioned as a key player at the national level.

Although only a fragment of what was an eff ort by millions of Texans, I hope my contribution here is a way of honoring and giving back to the tireless campaign staff , volunteers, artists, designers, and photographers I now call friends. And to those who haven’t met Beto yet, it is my privilege to introduce him in these pages.