“Democrats are the party of life”

During the first general session of the Texas Democratic Convention, the speakers conveyed a strong sense of frustration and hope. They repeatedly stressed that the stakes in the current political climate are higher than they have ever been

Key topics on Friday night included women’s rights, access to healthcare, public education, gun violence, and LGBTQ+ rights. A common thread was the accusation that the Republican Party is violating human rights.

“Freedom is under attack by extremist Republicans,” stated Rep. Donna Howard (HD 48). She emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights, declaring, “There is a MAGA elephant in our womb.” She concluded by affirming that Texas Democrats are “the party of life.”

This theme of Republican infringement on human rights resonated throughout the evening. Speaker after speaker criticized the GOP for their stance on issues ranging from stringent abortion laws and immigration policies to gun violence in public schools.

“They have endangered women, shut down hospitals, and provided access to weapons of war that have taken the lives of too many innocent people,” said Texas Democratic Party Chair, Gilberto Hinojosa.

Many condemned the Republicans for claiming to be “pro-life” while neglecting the lives lost at the border, the struggles of mothers facing abortion restrictions, the children killed in school shootings thanks to lenient gun laws, and the hardships faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

“Republicans are seeking to strip away our freedom and they have a dark future in store for us,” U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar said. “It’s not just that they have terrible policies and horrific intent for all of us. It’s not just that we have to stop Republicans, But we have to be proud of what Democrats stand for and what Democrats do.”

While Democrats have several important races on the ballot for November, from State Board of Education to State Representatives, and the Presidential election. The race that had most Texas Democrats riled up was Rep. Colin Allred. Every single person from Texas who spoke said they needed to vote Ted Cruz out (and buy him a one-way plane ticket to Cancun.)

Knowing they have an uphill battle, Texas Democrats seemed ready to flip enough seats to make Texas blue again.

“When times get tough, we don’t run, we fight,” said  Rep. Venton Jones (HD-100).

While Democrats have several important races on the November ballot—from the State Board of Education to State Representatives and the Presidential election—the race that had most Texas Democrats riled up was U.S. Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to unseat Senator Ted Cruz. Speaker after speaker emphasized the need to vote Cruz out, often humorously suggesting buying him a one-way plane ticket to Cancun. 

Despite acknowledging the uphill battle, Texas Democrats appeared determined to flip enough seats to turn Texas blue again. “When times get tough, we don’t run, we fight,” declared Rep. Venton Jones (HD-100).

The convention showcased a unified and energized Democratic front, ready to challenge the Republican stronghold and advocate for significant change in Texas politics.