State Rep. Julie Johnson from a campaign video announcing her run for Congress.

UPDATE: State Rep. Julie Johnson, who announced yesterday (Tuesday, June 20), that she is running for the 32nd congressional district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced this afternoon that her congressional campaign raised more than $275,000 within just 24 hours of launching. Johnson is running to replace Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who is challenging incumbent Ted Cruz for one of two Texas seats in the U.S. Senate.

Johnson “surpassed expectations, having just been released from the state fundraising moratorium on Monday (June 19),” notes a press release from her campaign. “With only nine days left to raise campaign funds before the June 30th deadline, Johnson’s day one fundraising haul showcases her broad appeal and organizing prowess.

The press release quotes Johnson as saying, “I am so grateful for the immense support we’ve received from across our district and state. This shows that our message of creating a stronger, more inclusive Texas that works for everyone is resonating with people. Just as I’ve done in the Texas House, I’m prepared to go to Washington and deliver real results on day one.”

Johnson has also already received the support of the Texas AFT chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, the Texas Hospital Association, Equality PAC, LPAC, the Human Rights Campaign, multiple members of the U.S. House, Texas House, and supporters across the district.

ORIGINAL POST: Three-term state Rep. Julie Johnson announced she will seek the nomination for the 32nd congressional district. Rep. Colin Allred, who currently represents the district, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Sen. Ted Cruz.

Johnson tweeted, “Julie Johnson is running for Congress because our communities are under attack. From every table – the kitchen, the courtroom, & the Texas Legislature – Julie knows how to get the job done and how to win the toughest battles. Julie will make Washington work for you. #ImWithJulie”

And her campaign sent out the following press release this morning that begins, “Today, Texas State Rep. Julie Johnson announced her candidacy to represent Texas’ 32nd District in Congress. Armed with a proven track record of public service and a comprehensive understanding of the job, Johnson stands poised to bring a wealth of experience to the national stage. As an attorney, Julie stood up for workers unfairly fired and fought students who had been taken advantage of by for-profit colleges. In the State House, Julie protected victims of sexual assault by demanding transparency about repeat offenders from state boards and worked to increase healthcare access. Julie has the experience and know-how to carry on Collin Allred’s legacy of delivering results for Texas families.

“Following months of encouragement from elected leaders, activists, and organizations across the country, I am excited and honored to announce my run for Texas Congressional District 32,” Julie Johnson stated. “I believe we can build a stronger, more inclusive Texas that works for everyone. I will be a representative who will fight for our values, advocate for our priorities, and deliver tangible results. I am ready to take the fight to Washington and make the government work for the people of Texas.”

Johnson is one of the founders of the Texas Legislature’s LGBT Caucus and enters the race with the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign, Equality PAC and LPAC as well as with the backing of the Texas AFT chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, the Texas Hospital Association, multiple members of the U.S. House and Texas House.

The link to her tweet and video announcing her campaign is here.

— David Taffet