Podcast: Separating news from noise

In this personal op-ed, former Miss Texas & State House candidate Averie Bishop reflects on watching the seat she lost in 2024 flip in the 2026 election, and why she feels gratitude rather than resentment. Drawing on her father's unsuccessful mayoral campaign in McKinney, Texas, she explores how political progress is built on generations of ordinary people who show up, do the work, and often never receive recognition. The piece challenges our tendency to measure success solely by who wins, honoring the volunteers, candidates, and everyday Texans whose quiet persistence laid the groundwork for change. Above all, it's a hopeful reminder that good things take time, but they don't come to those who simply wait.

Last night, the Texas House seat I ran for in 2024 flipped from red to blue. And for a brief moment, I thought about how badly I once wanted that victory to be mine.