The state of Texas is unquestionably a strong-hold for Republicans, not only within the

state government but also on the national political stage as well. Former Presidents such as
George W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson were all initially groomed as elected officials in the
state. Despite the overwhelming dominance of the Republican Party within Texas, The Green
Party, a formally recognized political third party has fought for nearly a century to change the
political landscape of Texas. The party emphasizes a strong focus on social issues, non-violence
and core-values contrary to the vast majority of Texan voters. Nonetheless the party has kept a
high-profile within the electorates consciousness despite only successfully electing three
officials within the state.
Due to the state of Texas being a border state, it is a hotbed for heated discussion
regarding immigration, and immigrant rights. It is one the most divisive, and heavily debated
controversial topics for both citizens and elected officials. Former Texas governor Rick Perry,
whom opposed the federal DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien
Minors) which provides amnesty for illegal immigrants brought to the United States before age
15, remained in staunch opposition to most immigration reform measures (Kaplan, 2011).
However, Perrys version of the Federal DREAM Act, known as the Texas DREAM Act is
simply limited to tuition breaks for immigrants of legal status within the state (Kaplan, 2011).
Additionally, many opponents of the federal DREAM Act and immigration in general cite
economic factors such as the taking of American jobs as a reason to deny immigrants amnesty,
or more civil rights. This viewpoint is in complete opposition to The Green Partys ideology. The
Green Party believes that undocumented immigrants should be granted a legal status which
includes the chance to become U.S. citizens with minimal processing fees and credit for all
payments into the Social Security System (On The Issues, Green Party on Immigration,2008).

The Green Party believes that our immigration policy with Mexico should be a central concern
of government that is looking to improved economic, environmental and social conditions for
both peoples (On The Issues, Green Party on Immigration, 2008). Obviously this ideology is
diametrically different than the Republican Partys.
Another issue constantly debated nationally and at the state level are abortion and the
reproductive rights of women. One of the latest developments on the issue of abortion in the state
of Texas is the requirement for abortion clinics to provide hospital-like medical standards
(Feibel, 2015). Opponents of the law believe this places an undue burden on abortion clinics and
is simply another hindrance for those seeking an abortion. Once again Texas overwhelming antiabortion stance is directly opposed by The Green Party. On the issue of abortion The Green
Partys official website states Women's right to control their bodies is non-negotiable. It is
essential that the option of a safe, legal abortion remains available (The Green Party of The
United States, "Green Party - Platform: Social Justice", 2015). They further state that
Contraception and abortion must be included in all health insurance policies in the U.S., and
any state government must be able to legally offer these services free of charge to women at the
poverty level (The Green Party of The United States, "Green Party - Platform: Social Justice",
2015). This stance would be considered radical by the standards of most conservatives and
conservative groups in the state of Texas. Especially if abortions were provided free of charge by
the state for women at the poverty level.
Although The Green Party tends to be viewed as a radical party, I do agree with their
stance on immigration policy. I believe undocumented workers and citizens should be given
amnesty under the DREAM Act. Furthermore, I do not believe undocumented workers place
any burden on our economy, especially the argument that they take jobs from American or Texan

workers. Many of the jobs undocumented workers perform are ones most Americans do not want
and refuse to do. If we provide immigrants with legal status it would not only further our
economy, but protect them from the abuses undocumented workers face in the work place and
society. I also agree with The Green Partys stance on abortion to an extent. I am pro-choice and
firmly believe women should be able to make their own reproductive choices. I do not believe it
is the governments place to decide whether a woman can or should get an abortion. It should be
the womans right to choose. However, I do not completely agree with the notion that abortions
should be covered by all publically funded insurance programs. This would place a burden on the
tax-payers of the state, and Texan citizens should not have the responsibility to pay for abortions
through their tax dollars.
As history has demonstrated, The Green Party has not been successful in securing
candidates into elected office. I do not foresee this trend changing in the future. Texas is very
much a conservative Republican state, and The Green Partys ideology is too libertarian and
liberal for most of the Texan electorate. Despite the fact that more and more millennials are
becoming voting age; many if not most are completely apathetic towards politics, and do not
even vote in the first place. Even if this younger demographic were to turn-out at the polls in
greater numbers, more than likely they would stick to voting for the mainstream candidates
whom constantly have ads on television and radio.
The Republican Party and Democrat Party have the financial means to better promote
their candidates, which a major problem for third-parties with a lack of funding. If The Green
Party were to garner any future success, I believe this would come at the local legislative level,
such as city council and mayoral positions. Furthermore, Austin Texas, the most liberally minded
city in the state, is a region where The Green Party would have the most potential success. Austin

has a counter-culture that is drastically different from other cities. The city is filled with artists,
activists and people with a progressive mind-set and agenda. This is exactly the demographic
The Green Party would need to have any real success.
The Green Party is a well-known entity, but suffers from an ideology that is simply too
radical for most of the electorate nationally but especially in the state of Texas. Texas continually
elects and supports almost exclusively Republican candidates at the local, state and federal
levels. Many Texans feel the Democratic Party is too progressive, and radical, much less the
more libertarian and liberal leanings of The Green Party. The Green Party will continue to
maintain a presence in debate and conversation politically. However, beyond promoting their
ideals, like many other third-parties, they will remain a fringe group that attracts attention, but
not votes.

References
Feibel, C. (2015, January 8). Texas Abortion Case May Hinge On Definition Of 'Undue Burden'
Retrieved April 6, 2015, from
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/01/08/375725066/texas-abortioncase-may-hingeon-definition-of-undue-burden
Green Party on Immigration. (2008, July 13). Retrieved April 6, 2015, from
http://www.ontheissues.org/celeb/Green_Party_Immigration.htm
Green Party - Platform: Social Justice. (2015, January 1). Retrieved April 6, 2015, from
http://www.gp.org/platform-social-justice
Kaplan, R. (2011, September 21). Governor Favors Tuition Breaks for Illegal Students at Home
but not 'Amnesty' Retrieved April 6, 2015, from
http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/governor- favors-tuition-breaks-for-illegalstudents-at-home-but-not-amnesty-20110921