In Her Campus’ series Gen Leaders, we rapid-fire interview Gen Z candidates running for office in 2024. This month, Averie Bishop, who is running to represent District 112 in the Texas House of Representatives, is sharing a look behind the curtain of her campaign.
Averie Bishop is turning heads far beyond the pageant stage. Having made history in 2022 as the first Asian American to win the Miss Texas title in its 85-year history, she’s now set to achieve even greater heights by running for the Texas House of Representatives.
As the 2024 election draws near, the spotlight is on the approximately 8 million Gen Z voters casting their ballots for the first time. Bishop is keenly aware of this generation’s potential to shape the future, and she’s no stranger to addressing key issues that Gen Z voters care deeply about. After her Miss Texas victory, Bishop created “Y’all Means All,” a campaign centered on diversity and inclusion in Texas, breaking away from the traditional apolitical stance often expected of pageant winners.
“Winning Miss Texas wasn’t just about the title for me — it was a platform to increase awareness about Texas’ changing demographics as a minority-majority state,” she says in an exclusive interview with Her Campus. “My main message was to spread and bring to the forefront the importance of diversity and inclusion. It’s crucial to break away from tribalism, especially in politics. My goal is to use my influence to create a space where all voices are heard and valued — regardless of religion, orientation, or race — because that’s what truly represents Texas.”
Another platform Bishop uses to her advantage is social media. With 830,000 followers on TikTok and another 89,000 on Instagram, Bishop is way more than just an influencer — she’s a voice that connects with Gen Z, speaking out on pressing issues such as reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, and educational disparities. Bishop’s Instagram and TikTok feeds are real, raw, and relatable, giving viewers a peek into the everyday life of an activist and candidate running for office.
She’s not shy about the flip side of social media, though. “It can be a double-edged sword, but I always aim to focus on the positives of being an influencer. I’m conscious of the mental health aspects and the pitfalls, but my main goal is to use my platform for good,” Bishop says. “I want to pull back the curtain, showing that there’s more to politics and activism than what’s usually shown to the public. [It] also allows me to connect with Gen Z, making politics more accessible and relatable compared to traditional political campaigns.”
Bishop totally gets why many Gen Zers feel apathetic about politics, but instead of just telling her generation to get out to the polls, she’s leading by example. “I’ve voted in every election since I became eligible, seeing it as vital for giving back to my community. Voting is like planting seeds in a garden you love, nurturing the place and community that you call home. When you love your community through your vote, it grows to love you back.”
As she vies for a seat in the Texas House, Bishop’s setting her sights on big changes — think gun reform, better access to reproductive healthcare, and overhauling sex ed in schools. Bishops states, “For gun safety, I’m pushing for stricter access requirements to ensure Texas communities are safer. On reproductive health, I advocate for over-the-counter availability and mail-order options for birth control, along with comprehensive sexual health education to address the gaps in Texas school curriculums.”
Bishop’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond just her local boundaries. Founded by Bishop and her mother, Marevi Bishop, The Tulong Foundation addresses educational disparities in the Philippines, bridging the gap between gender-based inequality.
“I spent many of my summers attending school in my mother’s small village,” she says. “Through this experience, I met with girls who desperately wanted to go to school, but sometimes were forced to skip class to work on the rice fields or help with housework. I wanted to help cover some of the most basic costs of getting to school, such as transportation, shoes, school supplies, and lunch. I decided to create a foundation with my mom because I wanted to ensure that all students, regardless of gender, receive quality, accessible education.”
What began as a mission to address gender-based education inequality has grown to encompass even more. Today, the Tulong Foundation provides scholarships, support for uniforms, tackles transportation issues, and offers micro-scholarships to budding entrepreneurs.
Now, Bishop’s poised to bring a fresh, fierce perspective to the Lone Star State. Watch out, Texas — Averie Bishop’s coming for you, and she’s not playing by the old rules.
These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Heels or cowboy boots?
Cowboy boots, for sure.
What’s your go-to campaign snack?
Hot Cheetos and sliced oranges.
What are the top three key issues for your campaign?
Education, gun reform, and reproductive health.
Vote by mail or in person?
Both, but I love encouraging people to participate in person.
What song are you playing on repeat during your campaign?
“Freedom” by Beyoncé and DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar.
What’s the top self-care activity that keeps you going?
I really like being outside. I enjoy getting a long run in at White Rock Lake on the weekends.
If a movie were made about your campaign, who would you want to play you?
Olivia Rodrigo.
What TikTok trend are you obsessed with right now?
Anything to do with food and ASMR recipes.
What’s the coffee order that keeps you going on the campaign trail?
A Golden Eagle from Dutch Bros.