During a candidate forum held at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, seven individuals aspiring to chair the Texas Democratic Party shared their perspectives on the reasons behind the party’s prolonged struggles in statewide elections. The forum took place as the party prepares for crucial elections in 2026, which include the governor, lieutenant governor, and nearly all statewide offices, in addition to one U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn.

Identifying Key Shortcomings

The candidates highlighted several systemic issues that they believe have contributed to the party’s ongoing electoral losses. Among these concerns were:

• Ineffective outreach to rural communities, which has been overshadowed by a focus on urban centers.
• A lack of strong candidate development, leading to insufficient representation in key races.
• Failure to recognize shifts in voter sentiment among Latino demographics.
• Increased disconnect from the concerns of working-class voters.

Patsy Woods Martin, a respected political organizer and ally of former Governor Ann Richards, expressed the collective frustration, stating, “Like everyone else on this stage, I’m tired of losing.”

Anticipating 2026 Opportunities

With several high-stakes races on the horizon, including significant statewide offices, the candidates are aware of the urgency for revitalizing the party’s strategy. The national Democratic Party has acknowledged that progress in Texas is essential for its overall health, emphasizing the stakes involved in the upcoming elections.

Despite the apparent opportunities, the forum underscored a lack of clarity regarding actionable strategies for improvement, particularly in appealing to undecided voters.

Internal Party Dynamics

The candidates’ discussions also revealed lingering ideological tensions following the resignation of former chair Gilberto Hinojosa, whose tenure was marked by controversies surrounding the party’s stance on social issues. Some participants took issue with an approach they felt prioritized activist concerns over practical, everyday issues such as employment, affordability, and healthcare.

Steve Miller, a pastor from Northeast Texas, highlighted this disconnect, saying, “[Democrats have focused on] everything but a job, everything but affordability, everything but education… everything but health care.”

Candidate Profiles

A diverse group of candidates is vying for the chair position, all bringing unique experiences to the table. The hopefuls include:

• Patsy Woods Martin: Former executive director of Annie’s List, Martin has a strong fundraising background and a commitment to elevating Democratic women.
• Delia Parker-Mims: With experience leading the Denton County Democratic Party, Parker-Mims focuses on mobilizing underrepresented voters.
• Lillie Schechter: The Harris County leader also emphasizes building future talent and increasing Democratic presence.
• Aaron Arguijo: A veteran from San Antonio, struggling with ballot access in previous elections but aims for a stronger representation.
• Meri Gomez: Known for her campaign in the U.S. Senate race, Gomez desires to uplift diverse narratives within the party.

The winner of the chair position will be determined by approximately 120 party activists using ranked-choice voting during a formal meeting in Austin.

Addressing Voter Engagement and Strategy

As the candidates strategize for the upcoming elections, they reflect on the need for more candidates to emerge for the numerous upcoming races. The lack of a solid candidate pool for pivotal roles heightens the urgency of creating a supportive party infrastructure.

Concerns continue to mount over the party’s ability to regain lost ground in South Texas, particularly following Republicans’ success in attracting Latino voters. With notable shifts in traditional voting patterns, candidates described the importance of effectively engaging voters through discussions centered on relevant local issues.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

As they face these significant challenges and opportunities, the future of the Texas Democratic Party hinges on the ability of its new leadership to unify the party around core issues while expanding its appeal. “We have got to support our Democrats in these local races,” stressed Woods Martin, emphasizing the importance of building resilience against Republican momentum in the region.