TEXAS FORWARD PARTY ENDORSES TRICIA MITCHELL KIM FOR AUSTIN ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES DISTRICT 4
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, TX - October 8, 2026 – The Texas Forward Party is proud to announce its official candidate endorsement of Tricia Mitchell Kim, who is running as a non-partisan candidate for Austin ISD Board of Trustees, District 4.
Mitchell Kim has a 50-year history in District 4, having attended four of its twelve schools before graduating from L.C. Anderson High School. She earned a B.A. in American History from The University of Texas at Austin with a STEM/pre-med minor, an M.B.A. from Rice University, and a recent Associate's degree in Musical Theater from Austin Community College. Her professional career spans healthcare executive leadership and quality improvement, complemented by extensive community service within AISD.
She served as communications chair for the Austin Council of PTAs, a business representative on the Anderson High Campus Advisory Council, an academic tutor at Martin Middle School and Eastside Early College High School, and as a member of campus and district workgroups addressing student mental health, budget planning and disciplinary code reform. She also served in numerous unglamorous behind-the-scenes roles, such as coordinating a team of copy room volunteers who saved Anderson's teachers hundreds of hours of time. Both of her children are International Baccalaureate Diploma graduates of Anderson High School.
Mitchell Kim's platform prioritizes calm, steady leadership to protect AISD's local control and prevent state intervention. Applying her MBA background, deep listening and systems-based, data-driven approach, she is focused on navigating complex district budget decisions while safeguarding front-line teachers and campus staff. Her platform emphasizes replicating and customizing proven student success models across every campus; promoting student and teacher/staff mental health and joy; and maintaining transparent, empathetic communication among district leadership, educators, families and local communities.
“I grew up with a Republican dad and a Democrat mom, and I know there are more than two sides to our problems. I’m thrilled to be endorsed by the Forward Party during this critical juncture for American democracy,” said Tricia Mitchell Kim. “I want to serve my community, collaborate, use data to drive and measure decision making, and both elevate and deepen our most important conversations about our students.”
"Tricia Mitchell Kim embodies the exact model of practical, non-partisan leadership public education needs today," said Ed Graham, Travis County Chair of the Texas Forward Party. "Her connection to District 4, combined with her executive business experience and advocacy for teachers and students, makes her an exceptional candidate to guide Austin ISD toward sustainable success."
By running as a Non-Partisan candidate, Mitchell Kim is dedicated to representing all students, families, and staff across District 4 without partisan distraction. Her candidacy offers Austin ISD a highly skilled communicator and creative, analytical problem-solver, ready to handle tough choices with fiscal responsibility and emotional attunement to AISD and the community. To learn more about Tricia Mitchell Kim's campaign, host a meet-and-greet, request a yard sign, or volunteer, visit www.tricia4aisd.com.
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About the Texas Forward Party
The Texas Forward Party is building a credible, durable alternative to the two-party system for the millions of Texans who feel left behind by today’s politics. We are uniting independent thinkers from across the political spectrum to advance a platform rooted in shared values, not partisan division. Our mission is to balance the state legislature, ensure competitive elections, and put power back in the hands of voters to deliver real, data-driven solutions.
Media Contact: communications@texasforwardparty.org | www.texasforwardparty.org
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