Former Primary Rival, Intern Appointed to Cate for HD98

(Northeast Tarrant County, TX, July 10, 2026)— Erin Hendley has been appointed campaign field coordinator and Jackson McPhillips appointed intern for the Brennan For HD98 campaign. Cate Brennan is a Democrat running for Texas House District 98, which includes Grapevine, Southlake, Keller, Colleyville, and parts of Euless and Westlake. 

“I am pleased to have Erin and Jackson join our team,” said Brennan, who lives in Grapevine and is 68. “Both these young people bring new perspectives and expertise on how to reach Independent, Moderate and Democratic voters who are searching for new leadership in Austin. They have already demonstrated their commitment to improving the lives of everyday Texans in Northeast Tarrant County and winning HD98.”

Hendley, 24, ran in the 2026 Democratic primary against Brennan. “I am pleased to join Cate for HD98 and be able to leverage my lived experience and personal knowledge of House District 98,” said Hendley. “I’m excited to work with our dozens of dedicated precinct chairs and hundreds of volunteers to tell our voters why Cate Brennan is the best candidate to fully fund our public schools, lower our cost of living and make health care accessible for all Texans.” Hendley graduated from high school in 2020, worked in customer service for five years, and volunteers for local grassroots campaigns and organizations.

Jackson McPhillips, 18, is a recent graduate of Grapevine High School and lives in Colleyville. McPhillips will work to expand Brennan’s reach on all social media platforms and manage the campaign’s website. “This is an exciting opportunity for me to work with a progressive grassroots campaign and use both my technical and writing skills,” said McPhillips. McPhillips will study political science at American University in the fall of 2026. 

Brennan and her team believe that Texas is at a critical crossroad to build a future that benefits all Texans, regardless of age, socio-economic status, race, religion and sexual orientation. “We must fully fund our public schools and return curriculum control to our classroom teachers, administrators and local school boards,” she said. “We must also refocus the Texas budget on meeting the needs of seniors, veterans and others who are financially stressed over increasing property taxes and the cost of auto, house and health insurance. We must do these things now to ensure the health and prosperity of future generations of Texans.” Texas House District 98 is an open seat being vacated by Giovanni Capriglione, a Republican who has served since 2013.

About Cate Brennan

Cate Brennan is a passionate advocate for public schools, affordable living, healthcare access and freedom of religion, speech and bodily autonomy. She is an award-winning, two-time CEO of nonprofit businesses, successful coalition builder and leader, state and federal legislative activist, and Democratic and community volunteer. A lifelong North Texan, Brennan is a mom, caregiver, spouse, dog mom and Grapevine, TX resident.

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