Former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez launches campaign for governor

DALLAS - Former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez launched her longshot campaign for Texas governor over the weekend.

If she beats the odds, Valdez would be the first openly gay and Latina governor in Texas’ history.

More than 100 people showed up at an event in Dallas Sunday to kick off her campaign. A major theme was united and not dividing Texas.

“I believe in a life of service and I don’t believe that you should just sit there and gripe without doing anything,” she said. “It is my obligation, that we must serve in a way that improves people’s lives.”

Valdez also talked about education, better pay and the need to invest in infrastructure.

She is one of 11 Democratic candidates competing for the chance to take on Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.