As she sets her sights on running for Texas governor, Joy Diaz says, what Texas needs is “joy.” But she doesn’t quite literally mean herself. What she means is the promise of improved lives for everybody and that change is possible.

Diaz, a 16-year journalist most known for her time at KUT’s Texas Standard, announced a run for Texas governor on Wednesday. A mother of two and Hispanic woman, she is running as a Democrat and wants to oust Gov. Greg Abbott from office, she told Austonia in an exclusive interview. But to get close to that goal, she'll first face-off with Beto O'Rourke and others in the Democratic primary in March 2022 before the November election.

Joy Diaz left her journalism job on Nov. 5 and has been working on her campaign for Texas governor since. (Sandra Dahdah)

Her decision to leave the media to run for public office came after a turbulent 2020, when she no longer felt she could be politically neutral as a reporter, and she and her son battled COVID-19.

“Not being able to breathe, made me just think, if… I survive this, I'm going to change gears, I'm going to dedicate my life to service because I don't have tomorrow guaranteed,” Diaz said. “Is it dramatic when you're 45 and now healthy? Maybe. But I want to live like I'm dying. And I want to die with no regrets.”

Diaz has engaged with public service her whole life. She grew up in Mexico, where her parents were missionaries. After graduating with a degree in journalism from the Universidad de Cuautitlán Izcalli in Mexico City, she became a school teacher, teaching four years in Mexico, before moving to the U.S. in 1998. She then transitioned to public radio, and started working at KUT in 2005.

Diaz's parents built schools in several parts of Mexico. It inspired her to dedicate her life to public service at a young age. (Courtesy of Joy Diaz)

A prayer service was held for Joy Diaz embarking on this journey at the church she attends in Southwest Austin on Sunday. (David West/Austonia)

What do you think about critical race theory? What kind of hand do you think the state should be playing in what public schools teach?

Forget about critical race theory just for a second, an educator should be at the top of the Texas Education Agency—not the best friend of an outgoing governor. As a former educator, I see so many flaws with our public education system.

Permitless carry. Is that one of the things you’re thinking about for when you take office?

My brother-in-law asked me, ‘What are you going to do with my guns?’ And I said, nothing. I don't want them. Keep your guns and keep them safe. I have nothing against guns, but I am deeply hurt by all the people who have been killed by the irresponsible use of guns. A lot of hurt.

What is something else you would want to address if you were put in office?

I think one part that we don't talk about is our relationship with Mexico. When we talk about the border, we often talk about well, Mexico should, Mexico should, Mexico should. Oh, yeah, Mexico should. So how are we going to work with Mexico? We need to work as real neighbors who work with each other. And I think I am so perfectly equipped to do that.

Half of my life was spent in Mexico. And I know the culture, the language, the synchronicities, the politics. And I think that's a plus that we've never had in this state to think about this relationship as one relationship of neighbors who understand each other.

What would you tell Gov. Abbott if he was here with us today?

I would tell him with a hand over my heart, I'm so sorry for the person you've become. I deeply admired you at some point. And you have disregarded your calling. You have followed your ambitions and forgotten that your job is to serve us.