Ashika Ganguly
@ashikafromatx
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Fmr: @AISD 5th-grade teacher, #txlege @BucyforTexas, candidate for Austin City Council Curr: Executive Director of @transit_forward
Austin, TX
Joined February 2023
I was a public school teacher at Austin ISD for 5 years. Every day, I saw the potential of my students—but also their families’ struggles to access basic needs like transit, childcare, & summer lunches. I’m running for Austin City Council to ensure our city works for everyone.
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Today, @GovAbbott and @UTAustin have violently arrested peaceful anti-war protesters at UT. As a UT Alum, I am disappointed in the administration’s disproportionate response to today's protest. Students should have the freedom to peacefully assemble without fear of violence.
At this moment in time, many of the student protestors appear more angered by police presence on @UTAustin campus than the conflict in Israel-Gaza itself. Big shift in the chanting has primarily been to “off our campus” rather than previous pro-Palestine chanting. Keep
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I am excited to announce my candidacy for Austin City Council District 10!. As a former teacher, I saw first-hand the impact our policies had on my students — and we can do better. Together, we will craft real solutions to the problems affecting families across our great city.
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Today, I filed to put my name on the November ballot for Austin City Council District 10. From the classroom to the Texas Capitol, I’ve spent my entire career working to advance policies that will uplift our community. It’s official — let’s go win this thing!
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I'm proud to be endorsed by State Rep. James Talarico!. A fellow former teacher, Rep. Talarico is a tireless advocate for our public schools in the lege. As your next City Councilmember, I’m excited to follow his lead and prioritize children & families at the local level.
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Trust women. Support women. Elect women. This November we have the opportunity to elect someone who understands both public safety and inclusion. Let’s get to work and elect the first Black woman and Indian-American President.
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I’m honored to step in the role of ED with @transit_forward! Together, let’s move our city forward—one step, one ride, one policy at a time. 🚉.
Big News!. We’re thrilled to welcome @ashikafromatx as the new Executive Director of Transit Forward!
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Today, I had the honor of voting for myself for the first time!. It's a surreal and empowering moment to see my name on the ballot, representing the values and vision I believe in for our community. Let's make change happen together, Austin!
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I couldn’t be more proud of this campaign. It was an incredibly close race. The results aren’t what we hoped for, but the work is just beginning. We will continue to fight for an Austin that works for everyone.
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Big news: I'm honored to have the endorsement of the @AustinChronicle in my race for City Council! 🎉 . Together, we’ll build an Austin that works for EVERYONE—students, families, and our most vulnerable. Let’s keep pushing for progress!
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My parents set down roots in Austin 33 years ago, making a life for themselves and our family. Every Austin family deserves the chance to live the American Dream — and that's exactly what I'm fighting for. Happy 4th of July!
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I'm running to be the first-ever Indian American elected to Austin City Council. As we celebrate the start of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, it's worth honoring their contributions to our city. Their history is Austin's history — and it deserves to be told.
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I’m so honored to announce the endorsement of the Austin Central Labor Council!. As a proud union member, I know firsthand how organized labor has fought for working Austinites like me. And as your city council member, I will always stand with @TexasAFLCIO and its values.
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Y'all means all!.
NEW: Austin becomes the first Texas city to approve protections for transgender people seeking gender-affirming care. A resolution just passed 10-1, with only Council Member Mackenzie Kelly voting against it. @KXAN_News .
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Today’s Election Day!. Grab a neighbor and head out to the polls — and vote for a city & state that values reproductive healthcare and fully funded public schools. Make your voice heard! Find your nearest polling location at
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McKalla Station outside of Q2 stadium is officially open – just in time for tonight’s @AustinFC match! 💚. We live in a city that wants to be connected. This exciting investment is thanks to @capmetroatx & @atp_org. Can’t wait to use it (for free!) getting to tonight’s game! 🏟️
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One of the best parts of running for office is meeting my District 10 neighbors!. Knocking on doors and speaking directly with voters is the best way to learn how I can represent our community on city council. Excited to have more conversations and get to work!
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My heart is so full thanks to all the support and enthusiasm we felt at our campaign launch party yesterday! . Our community is fired up and ready to take this campaign all the way to November. Let's do this! . To learn more, visit:
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I was proud to be the only candidate speaking at the Abundant Austin forum in Northwest Hills!. I talked about important issues with groups dedicated to the environment, transit, and affordability. Our community deserves to live in an Austin that works for everyone.
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I’m so honored to be endorsed by Run For Something!. Dedicated to recruiting and supporting the next generation of political leaders, @runforsomething plays a critical role in electing young progressive voices across the country. I’m proud to have their support!
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I’m honored to have the endorsements of @AustinYoungDems and @UDems!. As a proud Austin Young Dem and former Longhorn, I know how crucial it is for young people to have a seat at the table. Grateful for the support of tomorrow’s leaders as we build a better future for our city!
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My campaign raised $15K in our first week! 🎉🗳️. A recurring contribution of $40/mo will max out $450 by the November election! . Every $ goes a long way and early support from the community is crucial! Learn more and donate at
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It's a beautiful day to talk with voters in District 10!. With just under 4 months until Election Day, my team and I are working hard to reach every member of our community. Looking forward to more insightful conversations!
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Team Ashika is fired up! HUGE shout out to @BucyForTexas and @jamestalarico for coming to help us launch a day of action today!. These two are no stranger to grassroots organizing and connecting with voters on the ground and I am honored to have their support . With just *9
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I learned so much on my Austin Police Department ride-along yesterday!. Thank you @Austin_Police for having me. Public safety is a top priority for Austinites.
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I just voted for public school funding!. Tuesday is the last day of early voting for the first-ever election of directors to the Travis Central Appraisal District. Vote for our public schools. Vote for Dick Lavine, Daniel Wang, and Jett Hanna!
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On this first day of early voting, I’m so proud to have the endorsement of @AustinChronicle . Myself and many others have depended on the chronicle for their thoughtful coverage of Austin politics over the years. Grab your copy today and head to the polls!
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Had a great time coming back to my alma mater to join @udems welcoming Longhorns back to the forty acres!. When elected to city council, I’ll work for a more affordable Austin with more transit solutions so that Longhorns can continue to live here after they graduate. Hook ‘em!
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🚨NEW🚨: Our campaign has raised over $76,000!. Thank you to the 430+ individual donors who pitched in to help us reach our goal. Together, we’ll fight for an Austin that works for everyone. Visit to get involved.
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Incredibly proud of my boss @BucyForTexas and his strong words against extremism in Texas.
If you measure a society by how it treats children, the vulnerable, and the underserved — Greg Abbott’s Texas is a colossal failure. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Together, we will reject MAGA extremism and build a Texas as good as its promise.
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Proud to support @VanessaForATX and her efforts to make childcare more affordable!. Austin families deserve high quality, affordable childcare and Councilwoman Fuentes’ leadership has brought us closer to that goal. I’m looking forward to supporting her initiatives on the dais!
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The race for Austin's District 10 is set!. As the only candidate with lifelong roots in West Austin and experience both in the classroom and in government, I bring the skills needed to help solve the challenges we face. We're all in — let's keep fighting to November!
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@ColinAllredTX 🔥 on the urgency of boosting housing supply for Texans. We’re hearing this loud & clear at all levels of government—@KamalaHarris included. I’m ready to get to work locally to ensure equitable and available housing for young families here in Austin. 🏡
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Honored to be endorsed by @UDems! As a double longhorn grad, I know this city needs to be livable for our students and young professionals. I am committed to seeing that become a reality for Austin!.
Our official endorsements for the 2024 elections are here!!.Here is our 2024 election pro-student endorsement guide for the UT Austin area. You can vote at the Texas Union or LBJ school. We also support all unopposed candidates.
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We need to elect educators to ALL levels of government. From the White House to city council, public school teachers are fighting for progress and leading the charge against extremism. Let’s get a teacher in the White House.
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A vote for Ashika is a vote for future generations of Austinites!. So much fun seeing kids experience the magic of voting for the first time at the polls today. 4 days to go! Let’s imagine an Austin of tomorrow together
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Today is my birthday!. I’ve spent the last 28 years here in Austin working as a classroom teacher and now legislative director at the Capitol. I hope you’ll join me TONIGHT as I start year 29 with momentum taking us all the way to city hall. RSVP here:
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I’m excited to announce that we raised over $35,000 in the first 7 weeks of our campaign!. I'm humbled and honored to have such strong support from my neighbors in District 10 and residents across Austin. Thank you to everyone who pitched in!
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70 days left!. Our campaign is in full swing — and thanks to our incredible team and volunteers, we have the momentum to carry us through to Election Day. A huge thank you to everyone who’s helped knock on doors. Let’s go win this thing!
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Honored to have the endorsement of State Rep. Sheryl Cole!. From her time as Austin Mayor Pro Tem to her leadership on public education in the Texas House, Rep. Cole has led the fight for a better, more equitable Austin. I'm so thankful to have her support!
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2024 is a New Year and an opportunity for a new City Council!. Please join us to officially launch our campaign for Austin City Council District 10. Together we can create a New Leader for Austin.
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I’m excited to announce the endorsement of D10 resident and former TX Land Commissioner, Garry Mauro! . For decades, Commissioner Mauro has exemplified bipartisan, sustainability focused solutions. On City Council, I am committed to leading on environmental protection & action.
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It's been 2 years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping millions of Americans of their right to choose. In Austin and DC, I've stood with activists calling to restore our reproductive freedoms. I'll do the same on city council.
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I ran for office because of the structural challenges my students faced. With the right leadership, I know our city and state government can support our teachers and educate the next generation. The best way to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week is to elect more teachers!
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Today we celebrate Juneteenth — also known as Freedom Day. This holiday is not just a celebration of emancipation, it’s a testament to the contributions and resilience of the black community in Texas and across the country.
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Proud to rally for our classified workers with @EdAustin_TX!. When I was in the classroom, I couldn't educate my kids without the help of bus drivers, custodians, and other support staff. From access to public transit to improved salaries, our classified workers deserve better.
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Happy Labor Day, Austin!. As a proud @CWA6186 union member, I will always fight for strong unions, fair working conditions, and better wages for ALL Austinites. Unions are the backbone of our economy and community — which is exactly why we must keep them strong.
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Thank you to our amazing Team Ashika volunteers who have been working so hard to connect with voters!. This is a grassroots campaign — and our volunteers are going to help us get over the finish line this November. I’m so grateful for all the work they do!
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Honored to receive a recommendation from @AFSCME1624 for my city council campaign!. As a proud union member, I'm committed to advocating for the thousands of Austin workers they represent. Together, we will fight for better working conditions and a stronger future for all.
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Honored to receive the endorsement of the Austin EMS Association!. @AustinEMSAssoc works tirelessly to keep our community safe. I’m so excited to partner with them to ensure our first responders get the support they deserve.
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Our campaign launch party is in ONE WEEK!. Honored to have @wendydavis, @jamestalarico, @BucyForTexas, @CariMarshallTX & @ClifWalkerIII supporting our campaign kickoff alongside dozens of community leaders. Hope to see you there! Grab a free ticket today:
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Last night, the Texas legislature passed some of the most sweeping anti-immigration legislation in Texas history through both chambers. (1/4)
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Tonight at midnight is the BIGGEST fundraising deadline of the year!. My team and I are working overtime to connect with voters across D10, but we’re running short of our critical fundraising goal. Can you chip in whatever you can before midnight tonight?
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Our team had a busy weekend!. We knocked on hundreds of doors across D10, talking with our neighbors about the issues that matter most to them. A big thank you to all of our amazing supporters who showed up!
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Early voting is here!. I just cast my ballot in the heart of D10 towards a brighter future for our city and our state. Grab a friend and head out to your nearest polling location:
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Had a blast at the Labor Day Fish Fry!. When unions are strong, our economy is strong — and there’s no better way to celebrate them than with our Austin community and great food. Thank you to the Austin Central Labor Council for hosting!
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Proud to receive @MomsDemand Gun Sense Candidate Distinction!. Moms Demand Action is a driving force for protecting our communities from gun violence, and I’m honored to have their support.
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I was born & raised in West ATX to immigrant parents who taught me the value of hard work, public service, & community. Growing up, I gravitated towards roles where I could create positive change for those around me. So I started my career as a 5th grade teacher at Austin ISD.
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I'm honored to announce the support of the Vice Chair of ACC Board of Trustees, Sean Hassan!. As a fellow educator & child of immigrants, I’m inspired by Sean’s drive for public service—and share his passion for electing more teachers to office. Grateful to have his endorsement!
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As someone who visits auditorium shores daily, along with thousands of Austinites, we deserve to feel safe in our shared spaces. My heart goes out to the victim of this incident and I'm thankful for the swift response by law enforcement.
JUST IN: @Austin_Police are investigating after a person was injured by a machete near Auditorium Shores Tuesday morning .
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As your next city council member, my priorities are clear. Together, we will work to:. ✅Reduce property taxes.✅Protect our environment.✅Safeguard voting rights.✅Improve government efficiency.
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I was born and raised right here in Austin. This is the city my parents put down roots after immigrating to America. I want to make sure other Austinites can enjoy this great city with their children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors.
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This week I was honored to help kick off the school year as the pep rally speaker at Ann Richards School, where my former 5th grade student is now student body president! 🌟
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Had a great time building homes at the Texas Capitol with Habitat for Humanity!. Now more than ever, we need accessible and affordable housing options across our state and city. Together, we can build an Austin that works for everyone.
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District 10 deserves a city council member who will work tirelessly to solve issues our community faces every day. As a Legislative Director in the TX House, I’ve spent my time outside of the classroom fighting against extremism and for common sense policies that help Texans.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us at last night’s @transit_forward event! . Your energy, ideas, and commitment to improving our community inspire us to keep pushing for progress in Austin. Together, we’re building a more connected Austin. Thank you to Bill McCamley for
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I’m excited to announce the endorsement of Indian American Impact!. IA Impact works to elevate Indian Americans, South Asians, and historically excluded communities to ensure that our government is reflective of the diverse voices in Texas. I'm honored to have their support!
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It was a pleasure to join Lake Travis Democrats and other West Austin groups last night. Always an honor to hear from @WendyDavis about the battle for restoring reproductive rights. Local meetings like this are key to organizing and fighting for our community.
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Due to severe weather, our campaign kickoff event has been rescheduled to February 1st. We’re excited to meet with D10 residents and community leaders to discuss our opportunities to improve our city in 2024!. RSVP now and join us on Feb 1st:
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Had a great time with @AustinYoungDems!. I ran for office because young people deserve a seat at the table — and AYD is working hard to make that a reality. From affordable housing to the climate crisis, I will fight for our city to address the priorities of young Austinites.
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Had an amazing time at the Travis County Democratic Convention!. With organizers and activists like this, I’m confident that we can deliver real results for our community this November. Together, I know we can take back our state.
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Being a teacher wasn’t just a job for me. It’s the fuel that drives my passion for public service. From policy research in DC to the State Capitol in Austin, I’ve dedicated myself to crafting public policy that will support my kids and families.
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For the first time, voters are electing Directors to the Travis Central Appraisal District. Electing responsible TCAD leaders is critical to funding public schools — and as a former teacher, I’m proud to support Daniel Wang, Jett Hanna & Dick Lavine!. Be sure to vote on May 5th!
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Merry Christmas from me and my little elf to you and yours! Warm wishes for the year ahead 🎄💫🎁
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Happy Pride, Austin!. I'm so proud to live in a city that remains dedicated to equality and inclusivity for everyone. On city council, I will continue fighting to ensure no Austinite is left behind.
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Whether in the classroom or the Texas House, I’ve spent my entire career working to advance policies that will uplift our community — and that’s what I’ll always do. But I need your help. To get involved, donate, and learn more, visit
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I’m proud to announce the endorsement of former Austin City Council Member Mike Martinez!. From the fire department to city council, Mike's decades of public service have left a strong legacy on our city. I’m so honored to have his support!
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Today should be the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Instead, it’s been nearly 2 years since the constitutional right to an abortion was taken away from millions of Americans. From Austin to DC, I’ve stood with activists to support essential reproductive healthcare. #RestoreRoe
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Had a great time at the Shalom Austin candidate forum last night! . District 10 is the heart of Austin's Jewish life, and I’m committed to learning from and supporting this vibrant community. Our diversity is our strength, and I'll work for a more inclusive Austin.
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🚨URGENT🚨. We’re facing a crucial fundraising deadline in less than 48 hours!. Our campaign is working hard to reach D10 voters—but we need resources to continue printing literature and paying staff!. Can you pitch in before tomorrow’s midnight deadline?
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Had a blast with @wendydavis, @JulieOliverTX, and activists at Pose for Purpose!. This yoga fundraiser helped support the mission of @PPTXVotes. Our bodies contain so much power, and I'm more fired up than ever to fight for reproductive freedoms across all levels of government!
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But year after year in the classroom, my students and their families dealt with the same issues every day — affordability, child care, transportation, and so much more. I watched as these problems impacted their stability, happiness, and ultimately their success.
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Thankful for the chance to join an evening shift with Austin Travis County EMS!. ATCEMS is known nationwide for their high bar of service and innovative practices, and I’m grateful for their dedication to our city. I look forward to supporting their critical work on the dais.
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6 days to go and Team Ashika is 👏 not 👏 slowing 👏 down. From door-knocking to phone calls, we're making every moment count to connect with our community. Let’s keep up the energy and run straight through the finish line!
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Thank you to everyone who showed up to our event in Great Hills!. It was a blast connecting with community members and local leaders. Together, we'll win in November and deliver results for D10!
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My campaign is fueled by supporters who share my passion for investing in solutions for our community. From affordability and environmental protection to holistic public safety initiatives and local control, there is so much good work we can accomplish together.
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My 29th birthday is coming up — and I want to celebrate with YOU!. I can’t think of a better way to spend this special day than with friends, family, and supporters as we inch closer to Election Day. Join us!.
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6 months ago, we started this campaign. And with less than 5 months until November, I hope you’ll join me on this journey. To support our mission, visit:
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Picture perfect Turkey Day involving endorphins, family, food and my pup ♥️ wishing love to you and yours!!!
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D10 extends far into West Austin, making city services like wildfire prevention, bike trails, and watershed protections difficult to access. I’m committed to ensuring Austin works for everyone — and I’ll bring the same dedication that I brought to the classroom to City Hall.
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🚨SUNDAY🚨. This Sunday marks just 100 days until Election Day — and we’re organizing to knock on doors across our community!. Join us at 3 PM at Russell’s Bakery to mobilize our neighbors and help us win this election. See y'all soon!
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Had a great time at the Sunrise Navigation Center benefit!. 1 in 3 unhoused Austinites are part of a family with children — a pressing issue I saw when teaching my AISD students. I'm grateful to Sunrise for providing support & transition services to Austin's vulnerable families.
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Thank you to everyone who attended our meet-and-greet in Tarrytown!. I had a blast talking about the issues that matter most to our neighbors and building energy for our campaign. Let’s take this momentum through November!
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7 days to go! 🔥. After a year of hard work, countless conversations, thousands of door knocks and community connection, it all comes down to one night!. Join us for an election night watch party as we celebrate our grassroots campaign and push this thing over the finish line
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We’re knocking on doors this Saturday and Sunday!. I hope you’ll come out and join our campaign as we speak directly with our neighbors and organize our community. See you this weekend!
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Come see us tomorrow! Grab some coffee and get to know me and ask any questions you have.
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Had a blast attending the Black Austin Dems Gala this weekend!. It was an inspiring evening dedicated to Fighting the Good Fight — raising funds to support Black candidates and boost Gen Z voter turnout for 2024. Let's keep the momentum going!
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Today the Supreme Court upheld access to mifepristone, a critical abortion medication. This is a win for reproductive rights—but abortion is still banned in Texas with no exceptions. On city council, I will continue the city's efforts to protect abortion access for Austinites.
Breaking: Mifepristone, a common abortion inducing medication, will remain on the market without additional restrictions after the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rejected an anti-abortion group’s challenge to the drug’s approval.
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