As we pack our cables, microphones, cameras, computers, and Advil for the Texas Democratic Party Convention in Corpus Christi, all of us at Progress Texas are thrilled to be at the center of a moment of historic excitement and opportunity for the Lone Star State. Only every couple of years do the most active and dedicated progressive Texans gather in person to meet, learn from, engage, fight, and raise glasses with each other—and this year’s gathering is the largest Democratic Convention in the nation! There can be no doubt that in this moment of MAGA meltdown, Texas Democrats are faced with a chance to make history—but to turn that potential into reality, they will have to be able to emerge from Corpus Christi as a truly unified force.
We envision a convention in which every participant—and we’re talking about people of extensive expertise with, and passion for, their issues of interest—truly and openly considers the viewpoints of their counterparts. A convention in which common ground, purpose, and strategy can be developed with the goal of winning elections—and political power to make progress. We want to see a convention in which compromise is not seen as capitulation, but rather as a locking of arms, chosen over a locking of horns.
We envision a convention in which prior intra-party conflicts - whether based on policy or personal competition - can be overcome and replaced with renewed solidarity. We want to see Vikki Goodwin having laughs with Marcos Velez. We want to see selfies being taken together by Gina Hinojosa and Bobby Cole. We want to see nachos shared by Congressman Christian Menefee and Congressman Al Green. And yes, we want to see James Talarico arm in arm with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.
Politics is a tough, competitive business that attracts big personalities and people of grand ambition - which can make the path forward from the primaries a tricky business, requiring those big personalities to put the overarching collective goal ahead of their own objectives. This dilemma is present from the biggest marquee elections, all the way down to neighborhood precinct chairs and local club leadership positions. But that difficulty does not negate the essential priority of a cohesive and strong coalition.
Democrats have a chance in this midterm cycle to emerge from three decades in the desert. Let’s all expect from ourselves and from each other whatever sacrifice might be necessary to bring Texas out of the dark and into the present we all want to achieve—for ourselves, our kids, our neighbors and our future. Democrats must unite in order to prevail in Texas—and we will find out this weekend in Corpus Christi whether or not the Texas Democrats of 2026 are up to that challenge.
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