Dallas

Dallas Business Owner Enters Texas Governor's Race

A Dallas business owner has entered his name into the Texas governor's race, and he knows it's going to be an uphill battle.

Still, Jeffrey Payne says he is ready to run with no prior political experience. Payne, a Democrat, says he thought about the decision to run for about a year.

"I am tired of seeing what is coming out of the capitol, which is discriminatory policies," Payne said.

He watched the recent legislative session closely, but finally made the decision and filed the papers.

"My tipping point was literally the bathroom bill. That was my 'OK, enough is enough,'" he added.

He got his husband on board, knowing they would be in the spotlight during the campaign. Payne owns several businesses, including a popular gay bar in Dallas – a blue city, in red Texas.

NBC 5 political reporter Julie Fine asked him how he plans to run against incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, who has a $41 million campaign war chest.

"I know that Texas will get behind our campaign. This isn't an electoral college here. It is a popular vote, and you can't have all of the money in the world, but when you start resonating with people, which is what this campaign has already started doing," he said.

Payne is familiar with struggle. He grew up in an orphanage and in the foster care system in Louisiana. He later lost him home during Hurricane Katrina and moved to Dallas in the aftermath of the storm in 2005.

He says he learned an important lesson along the way, which has to do with his decision.

"You always pay it forward. You always help other people," Payne said.

That's what Payne says he wants to do in this campaign. He is ready to spend $2.5 million of his own money.

"You know, I've had people already come to me (and say), 'It's a waste of time, it is a waste of money, what are you thinking?' I'm fine with that. When you give voice to people, that is not a waste of time, and it's not a waste of money," Payne said.

The Texas Democratic Party confirms it has met with Payne and is talking with a wide range of people. The party does not endorse a candidate before the primary.

In a statement to NBC 5, Tariq Thowfeek, communications director for the Texas Democratic Party said:

"There are over 27 million Texans. A majority of whom are looking for real leadership, not more of Greg Abbott’s failed policies and hateful agenda. Mr. Payne is one of those people.

"Our Democratic nominee will be authentic, dynamic, and the kind of person that can get the job done. We are talking to a number of great leaders, and an announcement will come at the appropriate time. We look forward to supporting our nominee.

"Here are the facts on the 2018 election cycle: Texas is a single-digit state and Democrats are fired up, the latest polls show state Republicans’ job performance is underwater, the economy is in tailspin and Republicans have no plan. We are set for a great midterm election with thousands of new activists, dozens of candidates running for Congress, and statewide candidates like Congressman O'Rourke running against Ted Cruz."

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