Taj Clayton
Taj Clayton was a 2012 Democratic candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 30th Congressional District of Texas.
Biography
Clayton earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard and went on to receive his J.D. from Harvard Law School. He then worked as a law clerk to Chief Judge Mark L. Wolf of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Clayton has since worked as an attorney for Fish & Richardson.
Campaign themes
2012
Clayton's campaign website listed the following issues:[1]
- Create Jobs in Our Community
- Excerpt: "An unwavering focus on job creation is a must. A working community is a productive community. Unemployment in our district is too high and has been that way for too long."
- Improve Education
- Excerpt: "The foundation of any viable and successful community is a first-class education system. Much too often, a child’s access to a quality education depends on the wealth of his or her parents. This unfortunate reality is unacceptable."
- Stimulate Business and Economic Development
- Excerpt: "A thriving business community will provide the economic engine that will drive our district to new levels of prosperity. For years, politicians have bemoaned the lack of economic development in the southern sector and surrounding areas. The time for talking is over."
- Promote Ethics and Integrity
- Excerpt: "Elected public officials work for and on behalf of the American people. As a result, it is essential that they earn the public's trust and confidence. To do so, public servants must operate with the highest standards of ethics and integrity at all times."
Elections
2012
Clayton ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Texas' 30th District. He was defeated by incumbent Eddie Bernice Johnson in the May 29 Democratic primary.
According to Politico, Johnson's primary competition was serious in 2012. Both Caraway and Clayton were legitimate threats to the 10-term Johnson, and Clayton raised significant funds and created a compelling ad. Additionally, national Super PAC Campaign for Primary Accountability launched an ad campaign against the incumbent. For her part, Johnson emphasized her endorsement from Barack Obama, important in a majority-black district.[2]
Opponent targeted
Incumbent Eddie Bernice Johnson was targeted by the Super PAC Campaign for Primary Accountability.[3] The Houston Chronicle reported that the PAC targeted Johnson because she is a long-standing incumbent, her constituents are dissatisfied, and there was a capable challenger.[4] The PAC's efforts benefited Clayton and fellow primary challenger Barbara Mallory Caraway.[5]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Clayton and his wife, Tonika, have two daughters.
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term Taj + Clayton + Texas + Congress
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Campaign website, Priorities
- ↑ Politico, "5 incumbents facing primary fight," May 3, 2012
- ↑ Texas Watchdog, "Houston super PAC aims to defeat Texas congressmen," April 10, 2012
- ↑ Houston Chronicle blog, "Houston-based super PAC targeting more Texas incumbents," April 8, 2012
- ↑ New York Times, "In Democratic Primary, Taking On a Dallas Institution," April 26, 2012
