Doug Greco, a notable interfaith organizer and LGBTQ advocate, has thrown his hat into the ring for the mayoral race of Austin, adding another layer to an already diverse field of candidates. Greco's extensive experience as the former executive director of Central Texas Interfaith, a local nonprofit championing issues like homelessness and monthly bills that keep skyrocketing for the families of Austin, puts him front and center of Austin's shifting political landscape. The nonprofit leader stepped down from his role Monday, the same day he announced his candidacy, diving headfirst into the political fray with a promise to stand up for the working people of Austin.
Joining Greco in the mayoral showdown are former City Council Member Kathie Tovo and East Austin community organizer Carmen Llanes Pulido, with current Mayor Kirk Watson expected to reveal his intentions officially, as reported by KUT. This burgeoning group of mayoral hopefuls finds itself with a deadline of August 19 to file for candidacy, setting the stage for a November election that will not only decide the city’s next mayor but also the representatives for City Council Districts 2, 4, 6, 7, and 10.
"I'm running for Mayor because Austin needs a leader who will stand up for working people and against big money at City Hall and unchecked corporate power in politics overall," Greco stated, highlighting a platform focused on defending workers' rights and addressing the city's rampant unaffordability. A bold advocate for LGBTQ rights, Greco, who is openly gay, brings a unique perspective to the table, coupled with a comprehensive organizing vision as detailed in his 2023 book "To Find a Killer," which delves into the tragic murder of one of his former students. In an intimate acknowledgment of his advocacy work, Greco told Austin Monitor, "Despite Austin’s wealth and unprecedented growth, working people continue to be pushed out of the city and out of the middle class."
Known for his previous roles, including chief of staff for state Rep. Gina Hinojosa and director of programs for Equality California, Greco’s track record is one of import, boasting accomplishments such as defeating Chapter 313, a substantial corporate tax subsidy. Greco's agenda is firmly planted in socially conscious soil, aiming to cultivate an Austin landscape where affordable housing, a living wage, and public education flourish over the interests of private equity firms, as detailed by his campaign quoted in Austin Monitor.
Going beyond lip service, Greco has pledged his commitment to a transparent campaign by signing the city of Austin campaign contract, curbing the monetary breadth of his campaign activities, and calling upon his opponents to follow suit. As an agent of change, with boots firmly planted on the ground of advocacy and activism, Greco's entrance into the political ring sets forth a new chapter in what is poised to be an engaging race to Austin's City Hall.
