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# Fort Worth Students Rally Behind Mattie Parker in Unprecedented Show of Support

**FORT WORTH, Texas** – The race for Fort Worth mayor has taken an electrifying turn as students across the city have thrown their support behind incumbent **Mattie Parker**, making waves in what was once considered a tight contest.

Parker, who has served as mayor since 2021, has gained unexpected momentum as younger voters—particularly high school and college students—flock to her campaign, drawn by her focus on education, workforce development, and youth engagement.

## Why Students Are Rallying Behind Parker

### **1. Education and Workforce Initiatives**
Parker has been a vocal advocate for **expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs** in Fort Worth schools. Her administration has partnered with local businesses to create pipelines for students entering high-demand fields like **advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and cybersecurity**.

- **"She’s actually listening to students when others don’t,"** said Maria Gonzalez, a senior at Paschal High School.
- **Fort Worth ISD’s "Ignite" program**, championed by Parker, has helped **thousands of students gain job-ready skills before graduation**.

### **2. Youth Advisory Council**
Parker established the city’s first **Youth Advisory Council**, giving students direct access to city leadership. Members have influenced policies on public transportation, mental health resources, and **affordable housing for young adults**.

- **"We’ve seen real changes because of her willingness to involve us,"** said council member Jamal Carter, a college freshman.

### **3. Economic Opportunities for Young Adults**
With rising housing costs and student debt concerns, Parker’s push for **affordable housing near colleges** and **paid internship programs** has struck a chord.

- Programs like **"Fort Worth Fellows"** place graduates in city positions with **competitive salaries and mentorship**.

## The Political Impact
Her opponent, **Deborah Peoples**, has strong backing from traditional Democratic bases, but Parker’s **unexpected grassroots surge** among young voters could shift the race.

- **Voter registration among 18-24-year-olds in Fort Worth has spiked by 22%** since Parker announced her re-election bid.
- **Student-led rallies and social media campaigns** have amplified her message.

## What Critics Say
Not everyone is convinced. Some argue that Parker’s policies **prioritize corporate interests over working-class needs**. Others question whether her youth initiatives will translate into **long-term economic stability** for graduates.

Still, with **early voting showing strong turnout among younger demographics**, Parker’s student-driven momentum could be the **X-factor in this election**.

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### **What Do You Think?**

- **Is Mattie Parker genuinely reshaping Fort Worth for young people, or is this just good PR?**
- **Should high school students have a bigger say in city politics?**
- **Are workforce programs enough, or should Fort Worth focus more on **college affordability**?**
- **Could this youth movement signal a broader shift in Texas politics?**

Let us know in the comments! **BNN will continue following this developing story.**