Full rally spec speech - Maya Torres, State Senate

​Opening:

“They told us to wait our turn.
They told us to be patient.
They told us to trust the same people who’ve been in power for thirty years to finally do the right thing.

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But patience is not a plan.
Waiting is not a strategy.
And tonight, we are here because we are done waiting.”

 

Body – Setting the Stakes:

“For decades, our communities have been an afterthought in the statehouse. They remember us at election time, but forget us the morning after. They pass bills that help their donors and leave our neighborhoods with broken roads, overcrowded schools, and hospitals you have to drive 60 miles to reach.

They say the economy is booming. Maybe for them. But in my district, I’ve met families working two and three jobs who still can’t afford rent. I’ve talked to teachers paying for their own classroom supplies because the state budget says ‘there’s no money.’

There’s always money for tax breaks for corporations. There’s always money for special projects in districts that vote the right way. But when it comes to fixing the lead pipes in our children’s schools? Suddenly the cupboard is bare. That’s not an accident. That’s a choice.”

 

Personal Story:

“I didn’t grow up in politics. I grew up in a two-bedroom apartment with my mom, who worked nights cleaning offices. I learned early that if you want something to change, you can’t just hope — you have to show up.

I ran for city council because the sidewalks in our neighborhood had been cracked for years and no one in City Hall seemed to notice. And you know what happened? We got those sidewalks fixed. Not because I had connections, but because neighbors stood together and said: ‘We’re not invisible.’”

 

Attacking the Opposition:

“My opponent will tell you they’ve brought jobs to this district. What they won’t tell you is those jobs don’t pay enough to cover the rent in the very buildings they’ve let their developer friends put up.

They’ll tell you the roads are being repaired. What they won’t tell you is the contractors doing the work are campaign donors — and the repairs are only happening in the neighborhoods where their voters live.

They’ll tell you the healthcare system is ‘the best in the nation.’ What they won’t tell you is it’s only the best if you can afford it — and most of us can’t.”

 

Vision & Policy Pledges:

“We can do better. We will do better. As your State Senator, I will fight for:

• Fully funding our public schools — not just in wealthy districts, but everywhere.

• Expanding Medicaid so no one goes bankrupt because they got sick.

• Investing in clean energy jobs that pay a living wage and keep our air and water safe.

 

And let me be clear: this isn’t about left or right. This is about right and wrong. It’s about whether we believe every family deserves the same shot, no matter their zip code.”

 

Mobilizing the Crowd:

“I know the other side will outspend us. They already have. They’ve got PAC money. They’ve got lobbyists. They’ve got connections in every corner of the Capitol.

But I’ve got something they can’t buy: you.

Every door you knock. Every conversation you have with a neighbor. Every time you share our message online. That’s how we win. Not by matching their dollars, but by outworking them.”

 

Closing:

“So here’s what I’m asking tonight:

• If you’ve got two hours a week, give it to the campaign.

• If you’ve got twenty dollars to spare, invest it here.

• If you’ve got a voice, use it.

Because when we win this seat, it won’t be my victory. It’ll be yours.

They told us to wait our turn.
We’re not waiting anymore.
Let’s take our turn — right now.”