The Opportunity Race Program empowers Texas REALTORS® to contribute to the election of certain state-level candidates.
What is an opportunity race?
Opportunity races are REALTOR®-facing campaigns conducted on behalf of a state-level candidate.
Opportunity races are collaborative efforts between the state and local associations, and are approved by the Texas REALTORS® Political Involvement Committee.
These efforts may include the use of direct mail, polling, phone banking, websites, social media outreach, meet-and-greet events, and other efforts to encourage Texas REALTORS® to vote for the TREPAC-supported candidates on Election Day.
How to request an opportunity race
Local boards are required to submit 1) a signed application committing the association to assist in the association’s efforts to mobilize local REALTORS® in support of these candidate(s), and 2) a signed copy of the Notice Regarding Opportunity Race Recommendation, if applicable.
- Click here to download Local Board Recommendation for State-Level Opportunity Race PDF
- Click here to download Notice Regarding Opportunity Race Recommendation PDF
Benefits of the Opportunity Race Program
Opportunity races:
- Result in significantly higher turnout among Texas REALTORS®, in some cases doubling or tripling the turnout rate of the general voting public
- Have a positive influence on the campaigns of candidates who support real estate interests and the rights of private-property owners in Texas
- Demonstrate the power of REALTOR® mobilization
- Enhance the political prestige of Texas REALTORS®, local associations, and TREPAC
- Increase Texas REALTOR® political participation on behalf of association-supported candidates
- Energize local associations’ political and legislative committees and identify politically active Texas REALTORS® for future political efforts.
The Opportunity Race process
After the local association conducts candidate interviews, the board may choose to request an opportunity race on behalf of a select candidate.
Note: Texas REALTORS® will never conduct an opportunity race without buy-in and an official request from the local association.
Requests are submitted to the association director of political affairs and reviewed by the Texas REALTORS® Political Involvement Committee (PIC). The PIC submits a recommendation to the Legislative Management Team, which gives the final approval.
If the opportunity race is approved, Texas REALTORS® and the local board will execute a campaign designed to engage and motivate Texas REALTORS® to volunteer and vote for the candidate of choice.
What makes an opportunity race?
The Political Involvement Committee examines the following criteria in considering opportunity races:
- Has the candidate received TREPAC support (or a recommendation for TREPAC support)?
- Has the candidate been classified by the PIC as a REALTOR® Champion or REALTOR® Friend?
- Does the candidate face a hotly contested election?
- Does the candidate have the support of local REALTORS®?
- Will REALTOR® engagement impact the race?
Local boards can contact their regional PIC or the Texas REALTORS® director of political affairs for more information.
Best practices: Steering Committee
Every opportunity race needs a local leader. Texas REALTORS® recommends using the local board’s Political or Governmental Affairs Committee member to lead the “REALTORS® For … Steering Committee” in support of the REALTOR®-facing campaign.
If this person is not available, the Texas REALTORS® Political Involvement Committee member, the Texas REALTORS® field representative, or the local association’s Governmental Affairs Director may also serve as the head of the steering committee. Another option may be a Texas REALTOR® who has a personal relationship with the candidate.
The steering committee chair should help coordinate:
- Block-walking or door-to-door efforts
- Phone banking
- Social media promotion
- Sign locations
- Special events (should be paid for with TREPAC non-corporate dollars)
- Election Day activities (poll watching, etc.)