Kathleen Hicks, the youngest woman ever elected to the Fort Worth City Council and who has been recognized for her hard work and advocacy on behalf of the greater community, today finalized her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Congressional District 33. In this year in which women have faced unprecedented attacks by Republicans, she is the only woman in the race for this new seat that includes East Tarrant and West Dallas counties.

“This district is unique. Voters want a strong voice in Washington, regardless of race or nationality or gender,” said Hicks. “People want to be respected. They want to know their representative in Congress is working hard. I put all of my energy and know-how into solving problems and improving ways in which government serves the people.”

“I am proud of the diversity of my campaign, with my family supporting me every step of the way. My treasurer is Dr. Camille Rodriguez, a former Fort Worth ISD trustee, who believes as I do that our children must have more and better educational opportunities in order to prepare for adulthood,” she continued.

Hicks’ mother, Maryellen Hicks of Fort Worth, was the first black municipal court judge in Fort Worth and the first black woman elected to a district judgeship in Tarrant County. Her aunt, Deborah Peoples of Dallas, is leaving a 30-year career as a high-ranking business executive to manage the campaign.

In six years on the Fort Worth City Council, Hicks has accomplished what many have said could never be done. She has led the largest redevelopment ever in Southeast Fort Worth, bringing jobs, retail shopping and new housing opportunities to where plight has discouraged the community for generations.

“The infrastructure was ignored. I have brought new street lights; new neighborhood and arterial roads; and curbs and sidewalks, to my district,” Hicks said. “I have also successfully worked to bring federal dollars to North Texas for health care, early childhood education, transportation, jobs, affordable housing and more.”

“Indeed, there is no area that I have not worked tirelessly to improve,” Hicks continued. “I want to bring that expertise to Congress; working to make positive changes to our community, by creating jobs and a positive future for our children.”