BAY CITY — Zoe Cadore, a 2007 graduate of Bay City High School and a rising figure in federal energy and policy circles, has officially entered the race for U.S. Congress, confirming her candidacy for Texas’ 18th
Congressional District. She will be the featured guest speaker at the upcoming regular meeting of the Matagorda County Democratic Party this Monday.
The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the party room of Schulman’s Movie Bowl Grille in Bay City. Cadore will speak at the top of the agenda and is expected to share her campaign platform, professional background, and ties to the Bay City community.
Born and raised in Bay City, Cadore is the daughter of Dr. Judith Martin Cadore — valedictorian of Bay City High School’s Class of 1976 — and the granddaughter of longtime Bay City residents Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Martin Sr. Cadore’s upbringing in a family deeply rooted in education, service, and faith played a foundational role in shaping her values.
She is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Houston Law Center. Her political career began with an internship in the district office of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, where she focused on issues including veterans affairs, housing, and immigration.
She later served briefly as a law clerk working on voting rights and criminal justice reform for the House Judiciary Committee.
Professionally, Cadore has worked at the intersection of energy policy, corporate leadership, and public service.
She most recently served as Head of Federal Affairs for Calpine Corporation, the largest privately held company headquartered in Houston. In that role, she led national efforts around clean energy technology, environmental justice, and workforce diversity. In 2016, she was named the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s American Petroleum Institute Energy Fellow, contributing to the development of carbon capture policy later included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Cadore’s commitment to civic and cultural engagement is also reflected in her service on the boards of the Houston Ballet and the Ensemble Theatre. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and serves on the Corporate Advisory Council of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Cadore joins a growing field of candidates seeking to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District — a seat that opened following the passing of longtime Democratic Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Other declared candidates include Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, and former senior adviser Isaiah Martin. Governor Greg Abbott has not yet scheduled the special election.
As she prepares for her congressional run, Cadore said her priorities include expanding access to healthcare, supporting minority-owned businesses, improving energy equity, and promoting investment in the arts. With a platform centered on opportunity, dignity, and justice, Cadore positions herself as part of a new generation of leaders with deep community roots and a forward-looking vision.
