So much useful inside information in this one! Thanks Michelle. Your analysis all rings true for me. I have watched Democratic politics from the outside my whole life and had some opinions about what I saw, but you bring some support for my impressions.
I have watched Wendy Davis for a long time too. I never thought she had the kind of fire in the belly we need for change. I don't think she has good strategic judgment either. And I thought that before I got your information. Not that there is anything wrong with political performances, but these performances need to connect to a strategy which is more likely than not to result in electoral wins. Too many times I have felt the performance was really more about donations from non-Texas Democratic donors.
The Hays County (my ancestral home) information was fascinating. This looks like another "theory of the case" test like we had with Talarico and Crockett. This race is a good example of how Democrats haven't quite wrapped their heads around the fact that you can't use demographics as a short-cut to electoral victory. Democrats definitely need to activate Hispanics in Hays County because unless things have really changed, they are the majority there.
But, the thing Democrats need to go deeper on is that Hispanics have their differences with each other too. So, your conclusion about identity being necessary but not sufficient is spot on.
Well said, Cynthia! I agree with everything you wrote & have felt the same about Wendy for a long time too. I don't know Hays County as well as you two do, but I've been reading about it since '93 & my favorite college professor lived down there & used to talk & write about it a lot. We talked a lot about Texas politics on fb before he passed away a year ago. I wish he was still here to see these things being exposed.
🙏🏼 that CD35 “San Antonio” does not elect a MTG. I live in the claw area. North East San Antonio. Most of CD35 is on the South Side of Bexar County. NEBCD had a emergency meeting on 5/16/26 at 10:00 AM to discuss the CD35 situation. I missed the meeting because I had planned to GOTV and that is what I did. A lot of my friends told me she was crazy since the Bexar County Democratic Party convention. I think a few stop talking to me because I was not for Garcia, then. Anyway, I was so upset she said those things that I made myself vote for Garcia. I was hoping I only had to vote for him in the November Election. I really didn’t think she had a chance. But after I listen to the Piker video. Now I’m worried! I have no idea what that side of town is like. OMG! I have never NOT voted for a Democratic Party Candidate. Also, I have never voted for Republican either. 🙏🏼 everyone that I voted for wins the runoff. No more 💔!
So ready for 5/27/26. 😅 We all wanted John Lira! 😢The runoff should have had the two John’s.
Thank you for all your help in keeping us informed about the Left. I’ve always known that Democrats are their own worst enemy. It’s showing again.
The Republicans are becoming vulnerable this year and the Democrats have a real chance for the first time in many elections. I’m not surprised by the pent up anger and frustration with fellow Democrats.
The push to get to the top of the pile is on. Crockett/Talarico is the best example. Smaller races are having similar issues.
I just hope that Democrats can break through at all levels, from cities through national!
I am really unhappy about TMP or even Talarico getting invoked in Dem runoffs. Don’t get me started on the County Clerk race in Dallas, when we have candidates in Tarrant County who need help. I have known Vikki Goodwin was running for Lt, Gov since I met her at the 2024 convention in El Paso. Oh I want this to be done.
I am so burned out, so are my voters. The Republicans all want this done, there is no urgency, the candidates are not talking about what matters right now. And Republicans are still complaining about the separate but equal lines in Dallas. My answer is the same “register your complaint with the Dallas Republican Party”. They still get mad at me, well then why are you continuing to vote for them? Get as mad as you want, it was the folks you continue to vote for.
So much useful inside information in this one! Thanks Michelle. Your analysis all rings true for me. I have watched Democratic politics from the outside my whole life and had some opinions about what I saw, but you bring some support for my impressions.
I have watched Wendy Davis for a long time too. I never thought she had the kind of fire in the belly we need for change. I don't think she has good strategic judgment either. And I thought that before I got your information. Not that there is anything wrong with political performances, but these performances need to connect to a strategy which is more likely than not to result in electoral wins. Too many times I have felt the performance was really more about donations from non-Texas Democratic donors.
The Hays County (my ancestral home) information was fascinating. This looks like another "theory of the case" test like we had with Talarico and Crockett. This race is a good example of how Democrats haven't quite wrapped their heads around the fact that you can't use demographics as a short-cut to electoral victory. Democrats definitely need to activate Hispanics in Hays County because unless things have really changed, they are the majority there.
But, the thing Democrats need to go deeper on is that Hispanics have their differences with each other too. So, your conclusion about identity being necessary but not sufficient is spot on.
Well said, Cynthia! I agree with everything you wrote & have felt the same about Wendy for a long time too. I don't know Hays County as well as you two do, but I've been reading about it since '93 & my favorite college professor lived down there & used to talk & write about it a lot. We talked a lot about Texas politics on fb before he passed away a year ago. I wish he was still here to see these things being exposed.
My Brain is hurting! 🤪
There is so much to unpack.
🙏🏼 that CD35 “San Antonio” does not elect a MTG. I live in the claw area. North East San Antonio. Most of CD35 is on the South Side of Bexar County. NEBCD had a emergency meeting on 5/16/26 at 10:00 AM to discuss the CD35 situation. I missed the meeting because I had planned to GOTV and that is what I did. A lot of my friends told me she was crazy since the Bexar County Democratic Party convention. I think a few stop talking to me because I was not for Garcia, then. Anyway, I was so upset she said those things that I made myself vote for Garcia. I was hoping I only had to vote for him in the November Election. I really didn’t think she had a chance. But after I listen to the Piker video. Now I’m worried! I have no idea what that side of town is like. OMG! I have never NOT voted for a Democratic Party Candidate. Also, I have never voted for Republican either. 🙏🏼 everyone that I voted for wins the runoff. No more 💔!
So ready for 5/27/26. 😅 We all wanted John Lira! 😢The runoff should have had the two John’s.
Yeah. I wish TX35 played out differently. But here we are.
😭😭😭
Omg, Michelle!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Just shared on bsky! Wowza!!!
Thank you for all your help in keeping us informed about the Left. I’ve always known that Democrats are their own worst enemy. It’s showing again.
The Republicans are becoming vulnerable this year and the Democrats have a real chance for the first time in many elections. I’m not surprised by the pent up anger and frustration with fellow Democrats.
The push to get to the top of the pile is on. Crockett/Talarico is the best example. Smaller races are having similar issues.
I just hope that Democrats can break through at all levels, from cities through national!
I am really unhappy about TMP or even Talarico getting invoked in Dem runoffs. Don’t get me started on the County Clerk race in Dallas, when we have candidates in Tarrant County who need help. I have known Vikki Goodwin was running for Lt, Gov since I met her at the 2024 convention in El Paso. Oh I want this to be done.
Worst primary season ever. Would not recommend.
I am so burned out, so are my voters. The Republicans all want this done, there is no urgency, the candidates are not talking about what matters right now. And Republicans are still complaining about the separate but equal lines in Dallas. My answer is the same “register your complaint with the Dallas Republican Party”. They still get mad at me, well then why are you continuing to vote for them? Get as mad as you want, it was the folks you continue to vote for.
Hoping Hays County can pull it together. I always supported Erin Zweiner but the stunt she pulled this round will not help her going forward.
Another brilliant one we are all going to be discussing at length. Thank you.