Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty - TCADP

Mission Statement

The Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP) is a statewide grassroots advocacy organization that is transforming the death penalty landscape. We strategically align with local, state, and national partners to reduce use of the death penalty in Texas and, ultimately, end the practice of capital punishment once and for all.

Our Impact

Together with local, state, and national partners, TCADP works to reduce use of the death penalty in Texas and, ultimately, to end this arbitrary, irreversible, and unfair punishment. Here’s a snapshot of our impact in 2024:

- Worked to stop executions and shed light on the humanity of those condemned to death. We co-sponsored a petition to save Ramiro Gonzales, who was executed on June 26, 2024, despite evidence of his rehabilitation. We also were deeply engaged in the campaign to stop the execution of Robert Roberson, which was scheduled for October 17, 2024, but halted at the last minute by the Supreme Court of Texas. 

- Hosted the TCADP 2024 Annual Conference: Creating Conscious Communities on March 2, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. Attendees heard from capital defense attorneys, innocence experts, a jury foreman in a capital trial, faith leaders, victim survivors, and advocates. We honored four people who have raised awareness of death penalty issues in distinct and meaningful ways. And we heard from civil rights icon, Ms. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” who encouraged us to wake up every morning with an aspiration to help others. Conversations at the conference addressed the trauma of the death penalty process while also the need to embrace joy, hope, and resilience.

- Delivered our latest report on the death penalty to every legislative office at the State Capitol and worked with Lobby Corps members to communicate support for abolishing the death penalty in Texas to state lawmakers during the 89th Texas Legislature.

- Participated in community events throughout the state, including Martin Luther King Day, Jr. activities, political conventions, and Juneteenth. In addition, TCADP staff and board members delivered presentations to community colleges and churches, hosted membership gatherings, including World Day Against the Death Penalty events, in Austin, El Paso, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, and organized an important webinar about the intersection of race and the death penalty. TCADP also continues to host a virtual book group and support events sponsored by our Organizational Affiliates.