Do you know who your SDEC members are? Many Texans don’t, and yet, they will be deciding the next leader of the Democratic Party in our state, and who will lead Democrats out of the wilderness (or not) in 2026. We’re here to make sure you stay up-to-date on the race.

In November 2024, Texas Democratic Party (TDP) Chair Gilberto Hinojosa announced his resignation after 12 years. This left the top spot of the TDP open, and for the first time in a decade: a chance to change course and priorities for the party. Members of the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) will choose the next leader of the party on March 29, 2025—to be elected by rank choice vote.

In Hinojosa’s words, “in the days and weeks to come, it is imperative that our Democratic leaders across the country reevaluate what is best for our party and embrace the next generation of leaders.” Couldn’t agree more, a wholesale, highly strategic, self-reflective and innovative overhaul is crucial right now for a party that is flirting with potential irrelevance in Texas politics. 

This is an imperative election that the majority of our neighbors won’t know about, but you should. Provided here are answers to FAQs on the TDP Chair race, and some action items you can take to make sure your voice is heard in this vital election for the party of the people.

What does the Chair do? Why does it matter?

“The State Chair shall be the principal and presiding officer of the SDEC, shall have all of the authority and duties implied by such title and expressed or implied by these Rules, and shall have the authority to establish and to appoint committees with the advice and consent of the SDEC and deal with the affairs of the Party.”

In short, they run the party and decide who’s included, and what it focuses on. Many, including Hinojosa himself, emphasized the importance of this opening. Everyday people can choose someone who will vie for the opportunity to transform the “Big Tent Party” back into the powerhouse days of Barbara Jordan, LBJ, and Ann Richards to serve the people of Texas, not corrupt billionaires and extremist special interests. 

An authoritarian extremist ruling party deserves a strong, united opposition, and in just weeks, the Texas Democratic Party’s executive committee will choose the person to lead that opposition. The Texas Democratic Party’s new and modern chair must listen to all voices in its diverse ranks, improve financial transparency and strategic planning, as well as conduct an awareness campaign promoting the party’s economic and social platforms. 

Who’s running?

Candidate filing for the election ended in January and you can review the full list of candidates for State Chair here.

To learn about each candidate’s platform and priorities, tune in to the Progress Texas recorded, in-person Texas Democratic Party Chair Candidate Forum hosted by the Texas Progressive Caucus, on Jan. 25 here. You can also listen to our post-event recap by clicking here.

From the Texas Progressive Caucus Texas Democratic State Chair 2025 Survey Report (that surveyed more than 700 people from 90 counties): 

“Based on polling, research, and conversations with Democrats across the state, this race currently involves four primary candidates: Kendall Scudder, Lillie Schechter, Delia Parker Mims, and Patsy Woods Martin. They are the only candidates who received more than 5% of the vote.”

“[Kendall] Scudder has won the majority support from TXPC members. As such, the TXPC endorses Scudder as either an SDEC Member’s first (preferred) or second choice (depending on the local politics of their district or organization). From reviewing responses from TXPC members, county chairs, and others, the TXPC believes he is the best candidate for the job.”

For more on the race, check out the blog from Michelle H. Davis at Lone Star Left, “Who Controls The TDP? Progressives And Establishment Clash Over Chair Race.”

What is the SDEC?

Lastly, the voting body that decides who becomes State Chair, the State Democratic Executive Committee, is made up of leaders from Texas’ 38 congressional districts, official caucus representatives, as well as Party Officers. These are your politically-involved neighbors, and they want to hear from you!

To find your SDEC member, click here. Contact your SDEC, and let them know your priorities or candidate preferences for this election.

What can you do?

• Find your SDEC member, and contact them ahead of the March 29 election. Tell them who you want to be in charge of the Texas Democratic Party. If you want a change in priorities, it’s time to make your voice heard!
• Attend the Virtual Forum on Tuesday, March 25, or in Austin on Friday, March 28, 2025 (a day prior to the March 29 SDEC meeting in Austin)!
• Share the infographics below, so all of our neighbors know about this election!