2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Julián Castro Returns to Iowa on August 13-14, 2019 *Updated

Secretary Julián Castro Returns to Iowa to Discuss Gun Violence, Affordable Housing *Updated

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 10, 2019) – Next week, on August 13th and 14th, presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro will travel to Iowa for a town hall on affordable housing, a meet-and-greet in Marshalltown, and address a town hall on his plan to disarm hate by combating white nationalism and gun violence. After spending three days in Iowa with his family for the state fair and Iowa Democratic Wing Ding, Secretary Castro is returning Tuesday for his tenth trip to the first-in-the-nation caucus state since announcing his candidacy.

On Tuesday, August 13, Secretary Castro will participate in a town hall on affordable housing in Des Moines, and a meet-and-greet with local residents in Marshalltown. Secretary Castro will discuss recent mass shootings and his plan to disarm hate by combating white nationalism and the gun violence epidemic on Wednesday, August 14.

NOTE: Secretary Castro will tour one of the Iowa Afterschool Alliance’s summer programs in Cedar Rapids (details below)

Tuesday, August 13th, 2019

Affordable Housing Town Hall
WHAT: Secretary Castro will speak at a town hall to address affordable housing concerns facing our cities, suburbs and rural communities.

WHERE: Hilltop Apartments
3720 E. Douglas Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317

WHEN: Tuesday, August 13
1:00 PM CT -3:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join affordable housing advocates, developers, community leaders, and residents to address the affordable housing crisis.

Marshalltown Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: A meet-and-greet with local residents in Marshalltown

WHERE: Orpheum Theater
220 E Main St.
Marshalltown, IA 50158

WHEN: Tuesday, August 13
6:30 PM CT -8:30 PM CT
Doors open 6:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join Marshall County Democrats, volunteers and supporters at the Orpheum Theater.

Wednesday , August 14th, 2019

Tour of Iowa Afterschool Alliance
WHAT: Secretary Castro will tour one of the Iowa Afterschool Alliance’s summer programs in Cedar Rapids

WHERE: Glenbrook Apartments
4821 1st Ave SW.
Cedar Rapids, IA

WHEN: Wednesday, August 14
11:00 AM CT - 11:50 AM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro, members of the Iowa Afterschool Alliance


Town Hall on Disarming Hate
WHAT: Secretary Castro will speak at a town hall about recent mass shootings and his comprehensive plan to disarm hate by combating white nationalism and the gun violence epidemic.

WHERE: North Liberty Rec Center
520 W. Cherry St.
North Liberty, IA 52317

WHEN: Wednesday, August 14
7:00 PM CT - 8:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will meet with Moms Demand Action volunteers and community members.

Julián Castro Photos, Iowa Wing Ding, Clear Lake, Iowa, August 9, 2019 @IowaWingDing #IowaWingDing

Julián Castro, Family to Attend Iowa State Fair and Iowa Wing Ding on August 8-10, 2019 *Updated

Secretary Julián Castro, Family to Attend Iowa State Fair *Updated

Presidential candidate to make "political soapbox" and "Wing Ding" appearances in ninth trip to Iowa, and meet with local groups and voters in Des Moines and rural communities

NOTE: Secretary Castro will participate in the Urgent Gun Safety Presidential Forum on Saturday in Des Moines (details below)

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 7, 2019) – Following his "standout" performance at the second Democratic debate, presidential candidate and former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, will return to Iowa for his ninth trip since announcing his candidacy in January.

On Thursday, August 8th through Saturday August 10th, Secretary Castro will travel to Iowa to deliver remarks at the Des Moines Register’s Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair and speak at the Democratic Wing Ding. Throughout this trip, Secretary Castro will be joined by his wife, Erica Lira Castro, and their children, Carina (age 10) and Cristián (age 4).

On Saturday, August 10th, Secretary Castro will participate in the Urgent Gun Safety Presidential Forum in Des Moines hosted by Everytown For Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action organized in the wake of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.

Secretary Castro’s second debate performance last week in Detroit was noted as a “standout” and “strong” performance by two national news outlets, with CNN pointing out “two times is a trend.” Among a CNN panel of nine Iowa voters, three picked Secretary Castro as having the best debate. He followed up the debate with an endorsement from the national political organization Latino Victory Fund, and endorsements by 11 Nevada political leaders including an automatic delegate during a trip to that state.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

South Des Moines Community Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: Family-focused event on the south side of Des Moines

WHERE: El Malecon, 6550 Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320

WHEN: Thursday, August 8
5:00 PM CT - 9:00 PM CT
Speaking program starts at 6:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro's family, community members, volunteers and supporters

Friday, August 9th, 2019

Des Moines Register’s Political Soapbox
WHAT: Twenty minutes of remarks at the Iowa State Fair, followed by a press gaggle

WHERE: Iowa State Fairground, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
The Des Moines Register Soapbox is on the Grand Concourse located between the Varied Industries Building and the Service Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

WHEN: Friday, August 9
9:00 AM CT speaking time

WHO: The Castro family, along with supporters and fairgoers

Hampton Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: Rural community meet-and-greet with Franklin County Democrats in northeast Iowa

WHERE: Rustic Brew, 117 1st St NW, Hampton, IA 50441

WHEN: Friday, August 9
4:00 PM CT - 5:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will talk to voters and supporters in Hampton, IA

Democratic Wing Ding
WHAT: Secretary Castro will deliver 10 minutes of remarks at the historic Surf Ballroom at the Wing Ding. He will at a fundraiser for local Democratic candidates.

WHERE: Surf Ballroom & Museum, 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, IA 50428

WHEN: Friday, August 9
5:00 PM CT - 9:00 PM CT
Approximate speaking time 7:15 PM CT

WHO: The Castro family, hundreds of northeast Iowa Democrats

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Urgent Gun Safety Presidential Forum
WHAT: Urgent Gun Safety Presidential Forum in Des Moines hosted by Everytown For Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action for candidates to highlight their plans to address gun violence organized in the wake of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.

WHERE: Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309

WHEN: Saturday, August 10th
Secretary Castro is speaking about 11:00 AM CT, although more details about the event will be released later in the week.

WHO: Secretary Castro, gun violence survivors, and volunteers with Everytown For Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action


Center for Workers Justice Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa was founded in 2012 by a coalition of religious, community, labor, and immigrant organizations, and is affiliated nationally with the Interfaith Worker Justice network.

WHERE: Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, 1556 S 1st Ave # C, Iowa City, IA 52240

WHEN: Saturday, August 10th
2:00 PM CT - 3:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join Center for Workers Justice board members, volunteers, and coalition partners, and workers at their headquarters.

“Passport to Victory” Fundraiser
WHAT: Fundraiser hosted by First Congressional District Democrats to benefit local Democratic candidates

WHERE: Lynn Dunn Memorial Building, 201 Central City Rd, Central City, IA 52214

WHEN: Saturday, August 10th
4:00 PM CT - 8:00 PM CT
Approximate arrival time 6:20 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join Democrats from across the first congressional district as part of their Passport to Victory 2020 series.

Julián Castro Announces New Nevada Endorsements

Julián Castro Announces Key Nevada Endorsements Following Standout Debate

Nevada endorsements include DNC National Committeewoman/Secretary of DNC Black Caucus and Assemblyman/Chair of Nevada Hispanic Legislative Caucus

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 2, 2019) – On Friday, August 2, top Nevada Democrats including DNC Committeewoman and Secretary of the DNC’s Black Caucus, Allison Stephens, Assemblyman and Nevada Hispanic Legislative Caucus Chair Edgar Flores, and Nevada State Democratic Executive Board member and former chief of staff to the Nevada Senate Majority Leader, Benjamin Challinor endorsed presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, as he returns to the state for his seventh trip since announcing his candidacy in January.

“I am honored to have the endorsement and support of some of Nevada’s top progressive leaders,” Secretary Castro said. “These lawmakers, activists and local leaders are at the forefront of the fight for a more prosperous and just nation, and I am proud they have joined our team as we continue to build support and momentum in Nevada and throughout the nation.”

DNC Committeewoman Allison Stephens
“It is clear that the policies that Secretary Castro will implement as president will not only address the issues that Nevada families face, but all families across America.”

Assemblyman Edgar Flores
“Secretary Castro is focused on making sure that every Nevadan has the opportunity to reach their potential, provide for their family, be safe, and thrive. That is why I am excited to stand beside him in his campaign for president of the United States.”

Nevada State Democratic Executive Board member Benjamin Challinor
“Secretary Castro has demonstrated he cares about our communities by showing up, listening to concerned Americans, and by elevating voices that have often been ignored. He has reached communities across Nevada, including Washoe County and West Wendover. His deep commitment to putting people first is why I am excited to support him.”

The Friday endorsements from 11 Nevada leaders build on previously announced endorsements from West Wendover Mayor Daniel Corona and former Nye County Democratic Chair Carol Little.

Additionally, Stephens is joining the Castro campaign as Nevada Chairwoman and external policy advisor on health care and education.

Flores will host Secretary Castro Friday night at a house party in East Las Vegas. Secretary Castro is in Las Vegas and Boulder City on Friday and Saturday.

On Thursday, Secretary Castro also announced the endorsement from Latino Victory Fund—a national organization dedicated to making sure Latino voices are heard by empowering Latino voters, developing a pipeline of Latino donors, and developing Latino candidates.

Other Nevada community leaders who endorsed Secretary Castro on Friday include:
• Manny Becerra: Advisor and board member for Northern Nevada small businesses and non-profit organizations
• Maria Elena Pulido: Secretary, Latino Coalition of Northern Nevada
• Cory Hernandez: President of the Northern Nevada Latino Alliance, a chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans and Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans
• Kenia Leon: Community organizer
• Brenda Guigui: Community organizer
• Frank Perez: Community leader and former attaché, Assemblyman Edgar Flores
• Jose Rivera: former Nevada State Director, MoveOn.org
• Jeanette Strong: Member, Churchill County Democratic Central Committee; Columnist, Lahontan Valley News

Latino Victory Fund Endorses Julián Castro for President

Latino Victory Fund Endorses Julián Castro
National Latino organization makes first endorsement in its history of a Latino presidential candidate

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 1, 2019) – Latino Victory Fund, a progressive political organization working to grow Latino political power, today endorsed Secretary Julián Castro for President of the United States. Secretary Castro is the only Latino presidential candidate in the 2020 presidential election, and if elected, would become the first Latino president in U.S. history.

This will be the first time in the organization’s five-year history to endorse a Latino presidential candidate.

Quote from Secretary Julián Castro:
"For five years, Latino Victory Fund has been at the forefront of ensuring Latino voices are at the decision-making tables in Washington and around the country. Latinos are increasingly shaping our nation's future, and the leadership of organizations like LVF is needed now more than ever. I'm proud to have their endorsement and support, and I look forward to working together to put people first and help all families succeed in the years to come."

Quote from Melissa Mark-Viverito, Latino Victory Fund interim president:
“Our country needs a dedicated, experienced leader who will restore the dignity of public service to the White House and who has an inclusive vision for all Americans. That leader is Julián Castro. As president, Julián will fight for everyone, regardless of background, because he knows what it’s like to be an underdog. He is unafraid and will work tirelessly to improve the lives of hard-working families and every person who calls this great nation home.

“As the former mayor of a major U.S. city and former HUD Secretary, Julián has proven that he does not back down from proposing bold, innovative ideas to address our nation’s top issues. He was the first presidential candidate to propose an immigration plan, the first to propose a detailed police reform plan, and the first to propose a major policy platform for the Native American community. His actions make one thing clear: Julián is the resolute leader we need in the Oval Office in January 2021.

“Julián’s candidacy is a milestone for Latino representation at a time when the Latino community has been demonized and dehumanized by President Trump. We are beaming with pride to announce our unequivocal support for Secretary Julián Castro for president of the United States. ¡Estamos contigo, Julián!”

Julián Castro Delivers Opening Statement at Detroit Debate

Julián Castro Delivers Opening Statement at Detroit Debate
“We’re not going back where we came from. We’re going to go forward.”

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 31, 2019) – Tonight, at the CNN Democratic debate in Detroit, Michigan, presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro delivered his opening statement citing the importance of public service, the everyday struggles American families fight to overcome and his plan to move our country forward and make it better than ever before.

Secretary Castro’s opening statement can be found below:

Good evening.

You know, just a few days ago we were reminded and inspired by our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico, that public service is not fundamentally about any of us. It's about you and your family.

I want you to know that if I'm elected president that I will work hard every single day, so that you and your family can have good health care, when you need it; so that your children and grandchildren can get a good education; so that they can reach their dreams. And that you can have good job opportunities, whether you live here in a big city like Detroit, or a small town in our country. I know we have a wonderful special nation, but that too many people are struggling, and I know what that's like too. I grew up with a single mom in a poor neighborhood.

But like many of you, I don't want to make America, anything. again, I don't want us to go backward, we're not going back to the past. We're not going back where we came from. We're going to move forward. We're going to make America better than it's ever been in the years to come. Let's do that together.

Julián Castro Returns to Nevada Following CNN Democratic Debate on Friday, August 2, 2019 and Saturday, August 3, 2019

Julián Castro Returns to Nevada Following CNN Democratic Debate on Friday, August 2, 2019 and Saturday, August 3, 2019

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 1, 2019) – Following his 'standout' performance at the second Democratic debate, presidential candidate and former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, will return to Nevada for his seventh trip since announcing his candidacy in January.

On Friday, August 2, Secretary Castro will tour a food bank in Las Vegas, join Boulder City residents for a meet-and-greet, and attend a house party in East Las Vegas with Assemblyman Edgar Flores. He will also meet with leaders of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in Las Vegas, although their meeting is closed to press. On Saturday, August 3, Secretary Castro will participate in the AFSCME 2020 Public Service Forum at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Please see the specific details for these campaign events below.

Two major news outlets named Secretary Castro a winner of the Democratic presidential debate in Detroit on Wednesday with his “strong” performance, pointing out “two times is a trend.” Both The Washington Post and CNN, the host of the two nights of Democratic debates, said Castro “stood out” among the 10 candidates on stage.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Tour of Three Square Food Bank
WHAT: Tour of Three Square food bank operations

WHERE: Three Square, 4190 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89115

WHEN:Friday, August 2, at 9:30 AM PT

WHO: Secretary Castro will meet with staff members and volunteers at Three Square, Southern Nevada’s only food bank providing food assistance to the residents of Lincoln, Nye, Esmeralda, and Clark Counties.

Boulder City Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: Boulder City Meet-and-Greet

WHERE: 639 Valencia Drive, Boulder City, NV

WHEN: Friday, August 2, 1:00 PM PT

WHO: Boulder City residents are hosting Secretary Castro for a meet-and-greet.

East Las Vegas House Party
WHAT: East Las Vegas House Party

WHERE:2240 Lincoln Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89115

WHEN: Friday, August 2, 6:30 PM PT

WHO: Secretary Castro, Assemblyman Edgar Flores, and supporters will gather in East Las Vegas for a house party and birthday celebration for the assemblyman.

Saturday, August 3, 2019

AFSCME 2020 Public Service Presidential Forum
WHAT: AFSCME 2020 Public Service Presidential Forum

WHERE: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Student Union, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Paradise, NV 89154

WHEN: Saturday, August 3, 9:00 AM PT

WHO: Just days after the second round of debates, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) will host the 2020 Public Service Forum in Las Vegas.

Julián Castro Announces Sixteen New Campaign Hires Following First Debate

Julián Castro Announces Sixteen New Campaign Hires Following Breakout First Debate

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 25, 2019) – On Thursday, July 25, presidential candidate, former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary under President Obama and San Antonio Mayor, Julián Castro, announced a new slate of 16 campaign hires and promotions in the San Antonio headquarters and in early primary states—building on the momentum he gained following the first Democratic debates.

“We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of support and enthusiasm for Julián’s campaign following the first debate,” said campaign manager Maya Rupert. “As more and more Americans learn about his candidacy and our support continues to grow, so too will our campaign’s presence across the country. We’re excited to announce a new slate of talented operatives and organizers from all different backgrounds to help fulfill Julián’s vision for a more prosperous country for all of us.”

The announcement of new hires comes after news that Secretary Castro has secured three of the four required polls to qualify for the September debates. ABC and the Washington Post published a poll following the first debates putting Secretary Castro in the top five polling candidates nationally at 4 percent.

Following the debates, Secretary Castro announced that his campaign had the four best fundraising days since his announcement—raising more than $1 million in the last five days of the second quarter, and more than doubling the total sum raised in the first quarter.

Earlier this month, the Castro campaign announced seven new endorsements from local leaders in Iowa, announced the endorsement of West Wendover Mayor Daniel Corona, the youngest elected mayor in Nevada and first openly gay mayor in Nevada history, and announced that Nevada’s former Nye County Democratic Party chair had endorsed Secretary Castro.

This weekend, July 26-27, Secretary Castro will travel to Iowa for his ninth trip to the first-in-the-nation caucus state, where he will attend national candidate forums and host various campaign events. Following his trip to Iowa, Secretary Castro will travel to Detroit for the second round of Democratic primary debates on Wednesday, July 31.

The recent campaign hires include:

San Antonio
Joseph Czajkowski - National Finance Director (Previously: Finance Director, Arizona Democratic Party)
Benjamin Staton - Deputy Finance Director (Previously: Finance Director, Deidre Dejear for Iowa)
Cassie Baars - Finance Assistant (Previously: Deputy Campaign Manager, Friends of Jake Castanza)
Brielle Insler - Digital Director (Previously: Managing Partner, Düable)
Sawyer Hackett - National Press Secretary (Previously: Deputy Press Secretary, Julián for the Future; Communications Director, Rep. David Price)
Mili Gosar - Director of Voting and Delegate Strategy (Previously: National Voter Protection Director at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee)
Lillie Catlin - National Organizing Director (Previously: Deputy National Organizing Director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU))
Lauren Reyes - State Programs Director (Previously: New Hampshire Organizing Director, Julián for the Future; Field Director, Tim Kaine for Senate 2018 and as Field Director for the Virginia Coordinated Campaign 2018)
Ashley Fairbanks - Creative Director (Previously: Digital Director, Ilhan Omar for Congress)
Alex Sarabia - Deputy Communications Director (Previously: Communications and Policy Advisor, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg)
Sebastian Kitchen - Deputy Communications Director (Previously: Communications Director, Doug Jones for Senate)
Liza Acevedo - Deputy Press Secretary (Previously: Spokesperson, Speaker of the House of New Jersey Craig J. Coughlin)

South Carolina
Christina Cue - South Carolina State Director, (Previously: Director of Scheduling, Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
Elizabeth Noble - South Carolina Organizing Director (Previously: Organizing Director, Ben Pogue State House 110)

Nevada
Kristian Carranza, Nevada State Director (Previously: Organizing Director, Julián for the Future; Field Director, Gina Ortiz Jones for Congress)
Michael Cullen, Nevada Political Director (Previously: Attorney, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo)

Julián Castro Returns to Iowa on Friday, July 26 and Saturday July 27, 2019

Julián Castro Returns to Iowa for New Leaders Council Forum, Tama Meet-and-Greet and NARAL Town Hall

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 23, 2019) – On Friday, July 26 and Saturday July 27, presidential candidate and former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary under President Obama and San Antonio Mayor, Julián Castro, will travel to Iowa for his ninth trip to the first-in-the-nation caucus state since announcing his candidacy.

On Friday, July 26, Secretary Castro will participate in the New Leaders Council Forum in Des Moines and host a meet-and-greet at the Meskwaki Settlement in Tama. On Saturday, July 27, Secretary Castro will deliver remarks at the Asian and Latino Coalition candidate reception and participate in a town hall with NARAL Pro-Choice America.

In his most recent trip to Iowa last week, Secretary Castro drew large and enthusiastic crowds at multi-candidate events and stops in small, rural towns. Secretary Castro’s trip to Iowa follows his stand out performance at the first Democratic debates, which the New York Times described as "Castro's big night,” and comes ahead of the second Democratic debate on Wednesday, July 31.

Friday, July 26th, 2019

New Leaders Council Forum
WHAT: New Leaders Council Forum

WHERE: Des Moines Marriott
700 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309

WHEN: Friday, July 26, 2019 - 12:30 PM CT - 1:15 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join youth leaders and activists to deliver remarks and answer questions at the New Leaders Council #WeVoteToo Presidential Forum at NLC’s annual convention in Des Moines. Secretary Castro is an honorary board member of NLC.

Meet-and-Greet at the Meskwaki Settlement
WHAT: Meet-and-Greet at the Meskwaki Settlement

WHERE: Meskwaki Tribal Center Gymnasium
349 Meskwaki Rd
Tama, IA 52339

WHEN: Friday, July 26, 2019 - 3:45 PM CT - 5:30 PM CT
Doors open - 3:00 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will talk to voters at the Meskwaki Tribal Gym, along with members of the Tama County Democratic Party.

Saturday, July 27th, 2019

Asian and Latino Coalition Reception
WHAT: Asian and Latino Coalition Reception

WHERE: Iowa State Capital, Supreme Court Chambers
1007 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309

WHEN: Saturday, July 27th, 2019 - 10:30 AM CT - 12:30 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join the Asian and Latino Coalition for a candidate reception. This is the second time he has visited with the coalition.

Town Hall with NARAL Pro-Choice America
WHAT: Town Hall with NARAL Pro-Choice America

WHERE: Plumbers and Steamfitters
2501 Bell Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321

WHEN: Saturday, July 27th, 2019 - 2:15 PM CT - 4:15 PM CT

WHO: Secretary Castro will join NARAL for a town hall to talk about reproductive justice and access to healthcare.

Julián Castro Campaign Chairman Joaquin Castro Visits Iowa on Sunday, July 21, 2019

Julián Castro Campaign Chairman Joaquin Castro Visits Iowa on Sunday, July 21, 2019

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 19, 2019) – This Sunday, July 21, Julián for the Future chairman and U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) will travel to Iowa for various campaign events. In Storm Lake on Sunday, Rep. Castro will join community members for a meet-and-greet, before joining the Woodbury County Democrats for their ‘Convivio Democrata’ later in the afternoon.

Earlier this week, Democratic presidential candidate, former Mayor of San Antonio and former HUD Secretary Julián Castro made his eighth trip to the first-in-the-nation caucus state -- making stops in Cedar Rapids, Mount Pleasant, Keokuk, Muscatine, and Davenport, Iowa.

During his brother’s first trip to Iowa, Secretary Castro is proud to announce the endorsement of Storm Lake School Board member Emilia Marroquin. Marroquin joins Storm Lake Councilman Jose Ibarra in supporting Secretary Castro’s presidential campaign. Earlier this month, Secretary Castro announced the endorsement of seven community leaders and elected officials.

“As more and more Americans hear about my candidacy and vision for the future of our country following the first debate, we will continue to build our presence in the first-in-the-nation caucus state,” said Secretary Julián Castro. “With the support of inspirational community leaders such as school board member Emilia Marroquin, we can win the Iowa caucuses, and build a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

Previous endorsers include:

Rob Barron, Des Moines School Board member and Founder Latino Political Network

Steve Villatoro, Community Leader

Joe Henry, Longtime Leader and Activist in Latino Community

Jose Ibarra, Storm Lake Councilman

Bonnie Brown, Community Leader and SCC Member

Sally (Araceli) Goode, Community Leader and Activist

Sunday, July 21st

Storm Lake Meet-and-Greet
WHAT: Storm Lake Meet-and-Greet

WHERE: Always Bella Salon
507 Lake Ave.
Storm Lake, IA

WHEN: Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST

WHO: Congressman Castro will meet with community members at Always Bella Salon, a small business owned by Eva Cruz in Storm Lake.

Woodbury County Democrats' Convivio Democrata
WHAT: Woodbury County Democrats' 'Convivio Democrata'

WHERE: Soteria Community Development Corporation Conference Room
Riverside Park
1301 Riverside Blvd
Sioux City, IA

WHEN: Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 2:00 PM - 4:00PM CST
Speaking time 3:35 PM

WHO: Congressman Castro will join the Woodbury Democrats for their first ever 'Convivio Democrata'. There will be traditional dancers, music, food trucks, and speakers from the community.