Gretel Enck is officially throwing her hat into the ring for the U.S. House, announcing her Democratic campaign to represent Texas’ sprawling 23rd Congressional District. Enck, a Marfa resident, will host a campaign kick-off party on Sunday, October 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hotel Paisano patio in Marfa.
The 23rd District is one of the nation’s largest, stretching from the eastern edge of El Paso to west San Antonio, and covering key areas like Eagle Pass, Monahans, and the New Mexico border.
Enck said she is centering her campaign on three core priorities: dismantling the “damaging and inhumane policies” of the current administration, building unity across political divides and overhauling the economy to benefit working Texans.
“Common ground and common good,” Enck stated, emphasizing a focus on economic reforms. “Economic policies that benefit middle class and working Texans—beginning with securing the healthcare benefits millions of Americans rely on, and including an increased minimum wage and universal pre-K.”
Enck said the growing political friction stems largely from economic policy that has consistently favored the wealthy and large corporations.
“When I say working people,” Enck noted, “I mean you, me, and everyone we know. The staggering wealth inequality in our country is a choice.”
While critical of the current national direction, Enck also acknowledged that her own party must do more for rural and working Americans. “I don’t want to go back to any idealized past,” she said. “We have the opportunity to make changes that actually take care of our people. That’s the role of government—to serve the common good.”
Enck said her motivation and political approach are rooted in her decade of experience in Marfa, particularly her work with the Blackwell School. Soon after moving to the area, she became deeply involved with the preservation efforts for the historic, segregated Mexican American school. Serving as president of the Blackwell School Alliance, she volunteered for eight years, leading community and national efforts that ultimately resulted in the creation of the Blackwell School National Historic Site.
That experience, she said, taught her the value of perseverance. “I really learned the value of showing up,” Enck reflected. “Keep showing up, have the hard conversations, get creative in solving problems, and keep moving forward together—no matter the obstacle.”
Other Democratic Party candidates for the seat include: Santos Limon, Gregory Lopez and Peter White.
Enck now aims to bring those skills and lessons to the service of all Texans in Congress. The public is invited to attend the free kick-off event to meet Ms. Enck, hear her vision, and share their concerns. The Hotel Paisano is located at 207 North Highland, Marfa. For more information email info@gretelforcongress.com.
