The common Republican trope is that it's always Austin's fault, and they bash and blame the city and the Democrats here. This takes some heat and blame off. I think they'll be more cautious to take the same approach with Dallas, with as big as it is.
don't know what ur point is: Austin is where every misfit gay, trans, lesb , prog music creator could find refugee in the hateful racist homophobic texas of yore. try Texarkana in 68 and let me know ur thoughts.
also home to world class education and leading tech revo....
we eggheads simply let the knuckledraggers get control of the message box whilst we innovated and progressed.
it was too fast too furious for the bigots and neanderthals so they strike back...
the batlle is not lost , as we are just now joining the fray
BTW...Dallas was at the heart of Jim Crow AND segregation and is a politically black city because of white flight........not some kind of Harlem renaissance
Austin represents the plurality and heterogeneity that is texas.....with a great deal of tolerance for misfits and oddballs
TDP is on the other hand the least innovative org in christendom....moving to Big at the whim of the Chair who also lives in Big D - smacks of self interestedness of biz as usual at TDP
Whatever we’ve been doing has been a colossal failure in my view. I really haven’t been proud of us since Ann Richards. That’s far too long. Whatever happened to “Turn Texas Blue”?
Blow it all up and start again. Be clear-eyed about the other guys. This isn’t a fair fight. They’re willing to do literally anything to win. Trump is leading them in their race to the bottom.
I hope the party is giving support to Beto in his persecution by Paxton. He’s the best of us.
Moving the HQ to Dallas doesn't "smack if self interestedness" to me, I mean read the article. Austin is great and I'm not saying it's not - I'm saying it's unfairly maligned by most of the state, and to overcome that the TDP needs to extend its reach into other communities. This isn't them saying Austin doesn't matter, just that they've neglected the other parts of Texas that also matter. If you want Dems to win in Texas, this is an essential move for them to make. I don't why you're so nihilistic about it.
PS: where was Kendoll Labor Day...he hasn't visited GM-Arlington to talk to UAW...about a 20min drive from his home,hasn't met with one hispanic who didn't vote......but he does have time and energy to move the party next to his n/h
I figured as much. Jesus fucking christ. Everytime i am always reminded how the democrats under Gliberto didnt really give a fucking shit and this always reinforces my factor that all of this could have been avoided. I just cannot stand the stupid bureaucracy and centrist bullshit they pulled off and this is a perfect example that. If you ever see Kendall Scudder again on call. Tell him DSA is paying attention and acknowledging the efforts he is making. We are not falling for the centrist bullshit they are trying to do to him.
We really need a satellite in the RGV ASAP -- and I'm not sure that snubbing San Antonio and Bexar County to keep a presence in Austin is the best idea -- have a legislation-oriented office in Austin during sessions maybe? And what about El Paso
💯 with you on this. Kendall campaigned on this well before Hinojosa was forced to resign early in disgrace. For too long the blue Austin bubble didn’t do anything for DFW (4th largest urban space in the country) Harris or West Texas. Having the main office in DFW makes it easier for state wide candidates to reach more voters because of our two airports. Corporations have moved to DFW bringing 2 million more voters over the last two years, and all those people had to move. So whine all you want about having to move just 3 hours north. Maybe getting out of the Austin bubble would give you a new perspective and see how fucking hard it is here. I do that every single day, being in the west most city in blue Dallas County. We are ignored but not by the Republicans. They have been out here organizing right under the nose of that same person who voted NO to moving the office. Thanks for having more concern for 5 TDP staffers than the 800,000 in our gerrymandered district. Sorry, you need to go. We are tired of loosing. But sometimes you are going to piss some people off, it happens. Let’s move on and start fixing the state.
I deeply appreciate how this thread is leaning into the implications of the move and pushing for decentralization, transparency, and stronger connections to the grassroots. But as we lean in, I hope we also press harder on which voices are we elevating, and what are the unanswered trade-offs and practical details—those are the places where good intentions come up short:
1. Loss of institutional knowledge. The Party is bleeding staff who know filings, compliance, and redistricting logistics inside and out. Those skills aren’t replaceable by volunteers, precinct chairs, or county chairs who already have huge responsibilities. So who is going to step in? Who has 8+ years of party admin experience ready to go on day one?
2. Secrecy around the SDEC vote. Why weren’t members told—or in some cases told the opposite—that staff would be affected? Why wasn’t there transparency about the consequences before such a major decision? That lack of candor erodes trust at the exact moment we need to be building it.
3. Inconsistency with campaign themes. One of Chairman Scudder’s core arguments was that we need to invest in and uplift county parties. (Which we all agree on!) If that’s the vision, why wasn’t the more consistent infrastructure strategy to subgrant matching funds to mid-size county parties we want to grow into hubs of organizing? Similarly, if the goal was to avoid debt, why are we taking on the expensive task of (in addition to new leases) the costs associated w a move like lease buy outs/severances/unemployment if let go on top of competitive salaries for new staff in a difficult fiscal environment.
4. A Dangerous precedent. If HQ can be moved wherever the Chair happens to live, then we’ve lost stability and signaled that our “infrastructure” is at the mercy of one person’s address. That’s not a foundation you can build trust or strategy on.
5. Timing and legitimacy. Kendall is still technically an interim Chair. Why wasn’t this delayed until after the primary—when critical filings are behind us, when the redistricting litigation landscape is clearer, and when members can decide in June whether to elect him for a full four-year term? Rushing it through now raises unnecessary questions about priorities.
I really appreciate the work and reporting that LoneStarLeft does and I hope these aren't percieved as "gotcha questions"––they’re practical realities. I think it is worrying that only one side of the conversation is being heard/trusted when party staff are clearly scared to speak up given the promised anonymity in the article. Without clear answers, it’s hard to see how this decision strengthens Party infrastructure instead of hollowing it out. And we can't afford that in such a critical cycle.
That’s a lot of questioning. I didn’t want to follow up but I’ve gotten several calls today. So, I’ll have to write a follow up. I will say that both me and the Tribune were wrong about the way this HQ move is shaking out. Only finance and communications are moving to Dallas, legislative administration is staying in Austin. And the campaign coronation is moving to Houston. So, they’re splitting administrative roles between three offices. There’s a lot more nuance I’ll get in to the coming days, but there are people in Austin who are angry, hence the tribune article. But at the end of the day this move will help turn Texas blue.
Ditto Ditto Ditto............Kendoll and pct chairs...lip service no action....doens't matter where HQ is if u don't enable the boots on the ground
above someone said they wouldn't be getting satelitee offices in Hispanic cities...WFT....we won't be getting one in FTW with is 40% Hispanics.....so Kendoll isn't too interested in the people that didn't vote
Only 'political' action happening in FTW is "No Kings" and before that 'Hands off' as spectators ...TDP no where to be seen on anything...big redistricting push back by League of Woemn Voters....no role for TDP and TCDP.......i am missing a candidate for Congressman and House Rep...no help from TDP and TCDP..........
Frankly i think TDP aught move out of state...let's see how that works
My own take, Dallas issues aren't Texas issues.....they have wrestled thier problems to the ground and have a representative Democracy...most of the rest of Texas is white leading Hispanics around by the nose......not sure the dynamic is there in a Dallas staffed TDP
speaking of how large DFW is, well the FW party of DFW is some 3.5m and we have 1, count em one Hispanic CC ........and none in the upper ranks of county govt......how relocating to Dallas addresses that is anyone's guess.... What;s good for Dallas won't fly in FTW.
Believe me, getting around Texas from the northeast corner a real prob......i don't think staffers travel too well and one trip to Austin will cause them to never leave Dallss again.
Kendoll seems so averse he's moving the whole show to his hometown........and he hasn't even been to FTW in 3 months.
i got alittle bellnote from u: i don't know how it works.....so will respond here.....Dallas is unique in that its a black managed city unlike any other in Texas. its a testament to black tenacity and fight.
Buuttt..........Texas is what...... 15-18% black?
according to our fearless leader ...MD...the 40% Hispanics don't vote.....
its seems to me if u want to increase voting amongst Hispanics u don't go to the least Hispanic city in Texas and set up shop..........
plus i think this is for Kendoll's convenience and nothing else
wanna move ..got to FTW,.,,,way more H than D
or SA....the top big H metro in the state and 2nd only to LA
Because majority of the population who arent registered to vote live within the DFW metro. Its one of the most fastest growing areas in Texas and Kendall wants to take advantage of that to organize.
Thank you for the backstory. I couldn’t understand the Texas Tribune article’s drama-it seems counterproductive at this time when unity is needed- but your article explains it.
For lots of processes we need nodes, not a nucleus. So let’s go.
We need change! I moved from the Midwest and lived in Austin for over 20 years from 1992-2016. It was a wonderful place to be, but a bubble, a haven…almost. I experienced and worked in public education (until my health couldn’t take it anymore)..fighting for kids, for families. There was and is still poverty, inequity, and real life issues…. In the wonderful Austin “bubble.” I retired, traveled for 2 years and relocated to the Houston area near gulf. The county I live in is like the twilight zone. Decades behind in so many ways….and inequalities and struggles that break my heart while crooked republicans run the “show.” Instead of being fucking furious every day, I have to have hope and do the work. (And I am old, my friends).But it needs to be done …collectively, strategically and with purpose. Isn’t this what we want? Change!? A better life for all Texans?!
Oh my. I wish I had read this before I wrote the reporters. I think they overplayed the side of those who opposed the move. There should have been no "sides" but for my thinking they owe Kendall and others a redo or follow up once it has become more established. For years it HAS seemed as though the only people and ideas who count are those esconsed in Austin. Not that I do not care for many in Austin because I do, but the general feels by some is that we are less. Guess they are too busy being "weird" to think about the rest of us. 😁
the house doesn't need a single D vote.....but every house member is not out NOT screaming "R's wanna shut down...shut down'...to the tune of "get down get down" they are instead whining .."lets talk, compromise, a great chance, cum bah ya"...blah blah blah
gee willikers...kendoll contacted me today...i feel so special...if i only give him $25 we can be BFF
he is really really supercharged about the Texas House...
well Ken FTW is a 30 min drive and u have yet to come over to rally to help us find a house rep....(currently w/o a HR candidate along with a congressional candidate
One of these days I’m going to meet you in person and I’m gonna give you the biggest hug.
💙💙💙
Hey let's plan it.
The common Republican trope is that it's always Austin's fault, and they bash and blame the city and the Democrats here. This takes some heat and blame off. I think they'll be more cautious to take the same approach with Dallas, with as big as it is.
I've heard far too many people call Austin "the California of Texas" 🙄
don't know what ur point is: Austin is where every misfit gay, trans, lesb , prog music creator could find refugee in the hateful racist homophobic texas of yore. try Texarkana in 68 and let me know ur thoughts.
also home to world class education and leading tech revo....
we eggheads simply let the knuckledraggers get control of the message box whilst we innovated and progressed.
it was too fast too furious for the bigots and neanderthals so they strike back...
the batlle is not lost , as we are just now joining the fray
BTW...Dallas was at the heart of Jim Crow AND segregation and is a politically black city because of white flight........not some kind of Harlem renaissance
Austin represents the plurality and heterogeneity that is texas.....with a great deal of tolerance for misfits and oddballs
TDP is on the other hand the least innovative org in christendom....moving to Big at the whim of the Chair who also lives in Big D - smacks of self interestedness of biz as usual at TDP
Whatever we’ve been doing has been a colossal failure in my view. I really haven’t been proud of us since Ann Richards. That’s far too long. Whatever happened to “Turn Texas Blue”?
Blow it all up and start again. Be clear-eyed about the other guys. This isn’t a fair fight. They’re willing to do literally anything to win. Trump is leading them in their race to the bottom.
I hope the party is giving support to Beto in his persecution by Paxton. He’s the best of us.
Moving the HQ to Dallas doesn't "smack if self interestedness" to me, I mean read the article. Austin is great and I'm not saying it's not - I'm saying it's unfairly maligned by most of the state, and to overcome that the TDP needs to extend its reach into other communities. This isn't them saying Austin doesn't matter, just that they've neglected the other parts of Texas that also matter. If you want Dems to win in Texas, this is an essential move for them to make. I don't why you're so nihilistic about it.
I agree it's a good move.
PS: where was Kendoll Labor Day...he hasn't visited GM-Arlington to talk to UAW...about a 20min drive from his home,hasn't met with one hispanic who didn't vote......but he does have time and energy to move the party next to his n/h
that is the Tex D Party........
I figured as much. Jesus fucking christ. Everytime i am always reminded how the democrats under Gliberto didnt really give a fucking shit and this always reinforces my factor that all of this could have been avoided. I just cannot stand the stupid bureaucracy and centrist bullshit they pulled off and this is a perfect example that. If you ever see Kendall Scudder again on call. Tell him DSA is paying attention and acknowledging the efforts he is making. We are not falling for the centrist bullshit they are trying to do to him.
We really need a satellite in the RGV ASAP -- and I'm not sure that snubbing San Antonio and Bexar County to keep a presence in Austin is the best idea -- have a legislation-oriented office in Austin during sessions maybe? And what about El Paso
I thought if it worked out, they would just naturally open more. But I don’t know for sure.
💯 with you on this. Kendall campaigned on this well before Hinojosa was forced to resign early in disgrace. For too long the blue Austin bubble didn’t do anything for DFW (4th largest urban space in the country) Harris or West Texas. Having the main office in DFW makes it easier for state wide candidates to reach more voters because of our two airports. Corporations have moved to DFW bringing 2 million more voters over the last two years, and all those people had to move. So whine all you want about having to move just 3 hours north. Maybe getting out of the Austin bubble would give you a new perspective and see how fucking hard it is here. I do that every single day, being in the west most city in blue Dallas County. We are ignored but not by the Republicans. They have been out here organizing right under the nose of that same person who voted NO to moving the office. Thanks for having more concern for 5 TDP staffers than the 800,000 in our gerrymandered district. Sorry, you need to go. We are tired of loosing. But sometimes you are going to piss some people off, it happens. Let’s move on and start fixing the state.
I deeply appreciate how this thread is leaning into the implications of the move and pushing for decentralization, transparency, and stronger connections to the grassroots. But as we lean in, I hope we also press harder on which voices are we elevating, and what are the unanswered trade-offs and practical details—those are the places where good intentions come up short:
1. Loss of institutional knowledge. The Party is bleeding staff who know filings, compliance, and redistricting logistics inside and out. Those skills aren’t replaceable by volunteers, precinct chairs, or county chairs who already have huge responsibilities. So who is going to step in? Who has 8+ years of party admin experience ready to go on day one?
2. Secrecy around the SDEC vote. Why weren’t members told—or in some cases told the opposite—that staff would be affected? Why wasn’t there transparency about the consequences before such a major decision? That lack of candor erodes trust at the exact moment we need to be building it.
3. Inconsistency with campaign themes. One of Chairman Scudder’s core arguments was that we need to invest in and uplift county parties. (Which we all agree on!) If that’s the vision, why wasn’t the more consistent infrastructure strategy to subgrant matching funds to mid-size county parties we want to grow into hubs of organizing? Similarly, if the goal was to avoid debt, why are we taking on the expensive task of (in addition to new leases) the costs associated w a move like lease buy outs/severances/unemployment if let go on top of competitive salaries for new staff in a difficult fiscal environment.
4. A Dangerous precedent. If HQ can be moved wherever the Chair happens to live, then we’ve lost stability and signaled that our “infrastructure” is at the mercy of one person’s address. That’s not a foundation you can build trust or strategy on.
5. Timing and legitimacy. Kendall is still technically an interim Chair. Why wasn’t this delayed until after the primary—when critical filings are behind us, when the redistricting litigation landscape is clearer, and when members can decide in June whether to elect him for a full four-year term? Rushing it through now raises unnecessary questions about priorities.
I really appreciate the work and reporting that LoneStarLeft does and I hope these aren't percieved as "gotcha questions"––they’re practical realities. I think it is worrying that only one side of the conversation is being heard/trusted when party staff are clearly scared to speak up given the promised anonymity in the article. Without clear answers, it’s hard to see how this decision strengthens Party infrastructure instead of hollowing it out. And we can't afford that in such a critical cycle.
That’s a lot of questioning. I didn’t want to follow up but I’ve gotten several calls today. So, I’ll have to write a follow up. I will say that both me and the Tribune were wrong about the way this HQ move is shaking out. Only finance and communications are moving to Dallas, legislative administration is staying in Austin. And the campaign coronation is moving to Houston. So, they’re splitting administrative roles between three offices. There’s a lot more nuance I’ll get in to the coming days, but there are people in Austin who are angry, hence the tribune article. But at the end of the day this move will help turn Texas blue.
Ditto Ditto Ditto............Kendoll and pct chairs...lip service no action....doens't matter where HQ is if u don't enable the boots on the ground
above someone said they wouldn't be getting satelitee offices in Hispanic cities...WFT....we won't be getting one in FTW with is 40% Hispanics.....so Kendoll isn't too interested in the people that didn't vote
Only 'political' action happening in FTW is "No Kings" and before that 'Hands off' as spectators ...TDP no where to be seen on anything...big redistricting push back by League of Woemn Voters....no role for TDP and TCDP.......i am missing a candidate for Congressman and House Rep...no help from TDP and TCDP..........
Frankly i think TDP aught move out of state...let's see how that works
My own take, Dallas issues aren't Texas issues.....they have wrestled thier problems to the ground and have a representative Democracy...most of the rest of Texas is white leading Hispanics around by the nose......not sure the dynamic is there in a Dallas staffed TDP
speaking of how large DFW is, well the FW party of DFW is some 3.5m and we have 1, count em one Hispanic CC ........and none in the upper ranks of county govt......how relocating to Dallas addresses that is anyone's guess.... What;s good for Dallas won't fly in FTW.
Believe me, getting around Texas from the northeast corner a real prob......i don't think staffers travel too well and one trip to Austin will cause them to never leave Dallss again.
Kendoll seems so averse he's moving the whole show to his hometown........and he hasn't even been to FTW in 3 months.
Gosh, how can I apply to take up some of those vacated positions? Haha would probably be a more fulfilling job than the one I'm at right now
For real.
i got alittle bellnote from u: i don't know how it works.....so will respond here.....Dallas is unique in that its a black managed city unlike any other in Texas. its a testament to black tenacity and fight.
Buuttt..........Texas is what...... 15-18% black?
according to our fearless leader ...MD...the 40% Hispanics don't vote.....
its seems to me if u want to increase voting amongst Hispanics u don't go to the least Hispanic city in Texas and set up shop..........
plus i think this is for Kendoll's convenience and nothing else
wanna move ..got to FTW,.,,,way more H than D
or SA....the top big H metro in the state and 2nd only to LA
It will actually be split between three counties. He clarified this in his podcast last night with Progress Texas: https://progresstexas.org/podcast/minisode-chair-kendall-scudder-staff-changes-and-rumors-turmoil-texas-democratic-party
ur ever so nice.....
kendoll is one more incompetent nincimpoop state chair
spend the money ,at least half, on messaging Kendoll...or get out of the way
BOLO..CD-12 candidate
tense times Texans
a little Lone Star chill-ax
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAIp1bAZFk8&list=PLEPx1qpQ_lKT7JzQwBGztDLiMzAcW60nN
I feel this is Exactly that Texas Democratic Party needs. I’m tired of losing. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Don’t disagree with anything, but curious why Dallas as opposed to Houston?
Because majority of the population who arent registered to vote live within the DFW metro. Its one of the most fastest growing areas in Texas and Kendall wants to take advantage of that to organize.
Thank you! I am in Dallas and do lots of VR volunteering. This is exciting!
Its part of the new electorate he wants to make.
Thank you for the backstory. I couldn’t understand the Texas Tribune article’s drama-it seems counterproductive at this time when unity is needed- but your article explains it.
For lots of processes we need nodes, not a nucleus. So let’s go.
🤞💪
We need change! I moved from the Midwest and lived in Austin for over 20 years from 1992-2016. It was a wonderful place to be, but a bubble, a haven…almost. I experienced and worked in public education (until my health couldn’t take it anymore)..fighting for kids, for families. There was and is still poverty, inequity, and real life issues…. In the wonderful Austin “bubble.” I retired, traveled for 2 years and relocated to the Houston area near gulf. The county I live in is like the twilight zone. Decades behind in so many ways….and inequalities and struggles that break my heart while crooked republicans run the “show.” Instead of being fucking furious every day, I have to have hope and do the work. (And I am old, my friends).But it needs to be done …collectively, strategically and with purpose. Isn’t this what we want? Change!? A better life for all Texans?!
I'm right there with you. I think this will be very beneficial for the party.
Thanks, Michelle. I agree 100%.
Posted.
Oh my. I wish I had read this before I wrote the reporters. I think they overplayed the side of those who opposed the move. There should have been no "sides" but for my thinking they owe Kendall and others a redo or follow up once it has become more established. For years it HAS seemed as though the only people and ideas who count are those esconsed in Austin. Not that I do not care for many in Austin because I do, but the general feels by some is that we are less. Guess they are too busy being "weird" to think about the rest of us. 😁
its too complicated for TDP and Knedoll
the house doesn't need a single D vote.....but every house member is not out NOT screaming "R's wanna shut down...shut down'...to the tune of "get down get down" they are instead whining .."lets talk, compromise, a great chance, cum bah ya"...blah blah blah
once again Dems loose the messaging war
leadership no f....ing help to anyone
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/09/25/ending_bidens_obamacare_subsidies_wont_hurt_republicans.html
okay Kendoll...this is is
stop with the machinations and shenanigans
hunker down......start engaging NON VOTERS
spend all the money on tik tok and FB and insta
no one gives a shit about a f...ed up org that hasn't worked for 40 years
they do want messaging into their county and pcts in their county
u can do that from anywhere, Mars, the Moon, a lawn chair at Barton Springs
start doing it ......RITE NOW
gee willikers...kendoll contacted me today...i feel so special...if i only give him $25 we can be BFF
he is really really supercharged about the Texas House...
well Ken FTW is a 30 min drive and u have yet to come over to rally to help us find a house rep....(currently w/o a HR candidate along with a congressional candidate
...all blow , no go kendoll.