Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bobby Cole meets with Hillsboro residents

HILLSBORO, Texas (KWTX) - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bobby Cole met with residents at El Taco Jalisco restaurant to discuss his plans for key state issues.

The Quitman native told attendees he wants to focus on Texans who have been ignored, squeezed and written off. Cole said he is concerned about the direction the state is going and decided to take action rather than complain.

Campaign focuses on economic and education issues

Cole, a farmer, cattleman and retired firefighter, said he brings long-term vision and leadership to the race. His campaign is focusing on high property taxes, inflation, underfunding in education and more.

If elected, Cole said he plans to raise minimum wage to $15 an hour, support workers’ right to unionize and increase educational funding immediately.

“Our basic student allotment has been frozen since 2019. Move that up to about 74-7,500, which is where it should be if you had been adjusting to inflation. So, just by doing that, you’re going to make school districts much more stable,” Cole said.

Candidate predicts Democratic gains

Cole said if he becomes governor, there will be a blue wave.

“I hope to wash in a whole lot of Democratic representatives with me. With that being the state of the state, a lot of republican representatives may be more willing to reach across the aisle and work with us. I want to get things done. I believe in the end, if you display the right kind of leadership then you could get things done,” Cole said.

Cole is visiting Texas cities for the rest of the week. His next stop is Tuesday in El Paso.

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