FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Austin, Texas] – The West/Abdullah campaign is proud to announce that Texas has officially accepted their declaration of write-in candidacy for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States. With this approval, Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Melina Abdullah will appear on the list of declared write-in candidates for the general election in Texas, the second-largest voting state in the nation. This significant achievement is particularly notable given Texas' highest signature requirements in the country, necessitating a minimum of 113,000 signatures within just two months. The campaign extends its heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, supporters, and organizers on the ground in Texas who have tirelessly spread Dr. West's message of truth, justice, and love in their communities.

Dr. Cornel West shared his enthusiasm about the campaign’s latest development: "This is a profound moment for us and for every supporter who believes in the power of their vote. Texas' recognition of our write-in campaign affirms that our collective efforts can bring forth the monumental changes we seek in our society. I am deeply moved by the support and ready to see the spirit of democracy shine this November." Dr. Melina Abdullah added, "Being accepted as write-in candidates in Texas is vital for our fight towards justice and systemic change. It shows that when we come together, no barrier is too large to overcome. We're calling on everyone to make their mark by writing in our names, as each vote is a declaration for justice and a step toward a more just society."

Edwin DeJesus, campaign spokesperson, stated: “The campaign is striving to secure write-in candidacy in additional states, aiming to enable the largest write-in campaign in American history. This strategy ensures that all Americans, regardless of their state, have the opportunity to vote for a platform grounded in truth, justice and love.” The campaign is also committed to transforming America's immigration system, aiming to ensure that it embodies our highest values of compassion and dignity. This involves creating clear, broad legal pathways for residency and ending the inhumane treatment of migrants—policies that will be central to our efforts as we move forward. We encourage our supporters and all voters driven by a desire for substantive change to join us and vote their conscience. Let's ensure that every vote counts and every voice is heard, especially in states where access to the ballot has traditionally been restricted.

The West/Abdullah campaign has the signatures and minor party nominations it needs to get on the ballot in 18 states. This includes 7 of the battleground states: Michigan, Georgia, Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia and North Carolina. For more info, see our ballot access map.

About Dr. Cornel West

Dr. West, affectionately known to many as Brother West, is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary.

Dr. West is the former University Professor at Harvard University, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University and the first Black person to receive a Ph.D. In Philosophy from Princeton University. He has written 20 books and he is best known for his classics, Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and for his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. He delivered the historic Gifford lectures at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in Spring 2024.

Dr. West enters the 2024 Presidential contest at a time in which he describes a national crisis of moral bankruptcy and spiritual obscenity driven by a derelict duopoly of both major parties that equally places profits over people and the planet. West asserts that running as an Independent candidate affords him the opportunity and duty to deliver policy prescriptions incorporated by and for the people, instead of political parties beholden to corporations and special interest groups who feel no solidarity with poor and working-class people of all races, gender identities, and age groups.

The Cornel West Campaign to empower poor and working people everywhere stands at a pivotal moment in history, committed to being a true campaign for people around the globe. Our aim is and will always be to unite in solidarity with movements of truth and justice, who seek a choice beyond empire, white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, and the confines of the corporate-dominated two-party system.

About Dr. Melina Abdullah

Melina Abdullah is Professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA’s College of Ethnic Studies, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter - Los Ángeles and Black Lives Matter Grassroots, where she is also Director. She is a leader in the California Faculty Association (the faculty union), both locally and statewide, and mama of three. Dr. Abdullah earned her Ph.D. from University of Southern California in Political Science and her B.A. from Howard University in African American Studies. Abdullah has authored numerous articles and book chapters. Known by the moniker, Doc Melly Mel, she is creator, host, and producer of the radio programs Move the Crowd on KPFK 90.7 FM and This Is Not a Drill! on KBLA Talk 1580, and is a recognized expert on race, gender, class, and social movements. In April 2024, Abdullah was announced as vice-presidential pick for Dr. Cornel West in his run for president of the United States on a platform of “Truth, Justice, and Love.” She is the first Muslim to run for the vice-presidency.

Learn more about Cornel West at CornelWest2024.com. 

Learn more about Dr. West’s Policy Pillars at CornelWest2024.com/Platform.

For more details and press inquiries, please contact [email protected].