January 22, 2012


Democrat Taj Clayton raised $216,254 in last 10 weeks of 2011

Clayton: “South Dallas County is ready for change.”

Dallas attorney Taj Clayton today announced that his congressional campaign raised $216,253.74 in the last 10 weeks of 2011.

“We’re off to a very strong start, and this is only the beginning. We are gaining momentum as people get to know me and see what I’m about. We’ve exceeded our expectations because people are ready for new results and new leadership. We’re tired of seeing South Dallas County deal with the same problems year after year. The time for change is here,” said Clayton.

Renee Hartley, Clayton’s campaign manager, said the good fundraising start occurred even without the support of political action committees and loans from the candidate. “By raising all the campaign’s money from individuals, Clayton is answering an important question about viability,” said Hartley.

“I think Taj Clayton’s fundraising totals show that there are a lot of people not willing to wait for the torch to be extinguished before it’s passed to a new generation of leaders,” said Hartley. “We need some fresh blood and new ideas, and a lot of people are excited about what Taj has to offer South Dallas County. He’s a special leader.”

Taj worked his way through Harvard College by cleaning dormitory bathrooms and sweeping staircases, among other odd jobs. Taj graduated with Honors after making the Dean’s List every semester and went on to receive his law degree from Harvard Law School. Today, Taj is an attorney at the international law firm of Fish & Richardson. He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Texas Super Lawyers magazine. Prior to joining Fish & Richardson, Taj was a Law Clerk to Chief Judge Mark L. Wolf of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Taj has been happily married to his college sweetheart, Tonika, for 11 years and is the proud father of two daughters with a son on the way in February. In his spare time, Taj serves on the Board of the Dallas Children’s Theater and volunteers with the Dallas KIPP Charter School and the Circle of Support program. In 2008, Taj served on the Texas 2008 Obama Campaign Finance Committee and was a delegate to the Dallas County and Texas state Democratic conventions.