There's Something About Living In A Red State That Makes You Scrappy
How Texas Democrats fight against the odds as voices rise from rural areas.
Today, I drove to Granbury to the Hood County Democratic Women’s (HCDW) monthly meeting, where Representative James Talarico and Democratic Candidate for House District 59 Hannah Bohm were the guest speakers.
As the Hood County Democratic Chair, Adrienne Martin, introduced Representative Talarico, she quoted his speech from the 2022 Texas Democratic Party convention.
“Our democracy is dying. A reactionary minority is taking over our government and taking away our freedoms. The Democratic Party is the only thing standing between this country and fascism. Yet, the most our National Party leaders can muster is spineless talking points and soulless fundraising emails. National Democrats, the ones that fly in to fundraise and then don’t spend a penny of that money in our state, they don’t know how to fight. They are comfortable on the coast and with the status quo, but there’s something about living in a red state that makes you scrappy because, Texas Democrats, we know how to fight. And that’s what this moment demands.” - Representative James Talarico.
You could hear the whispers of “wow” in the audience because it’s true, but also very heavy.
Martin followed up, “Nobody was saying that then, and not enough people are saying that now.”
You can see Adrienne Martin’s entire introduction here:
Here was the Talarico speech she was referencing:
Texas Democrats are unlike Democrats in other states.
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. Texas Democrats are unique. We’re not like the Democrats you meet in blue states like Colorado or Vermont (or any other blue state). This distinctiveness is driven by the demographic makeup unique to Texas, particularly the substantial Hispanic population. Hispanic voters generally support Democratic candidates, yet their specific priorities, such as immigration, border security, and bilingual education, differ from those of Democrats in states with smaller Hispanic populations.
While 71% of America is white and non-Hispanic, that number is only 38% in Texas.
Texas’ vast size and geographic diversity mean that Democrats from different parts of the state can have varying priorities. Urban Democrats in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin may prioritize issues like public transportation, affordable housing, and progressive social policies. At the same time, rural Democrats might focus more on agricultural policies, rural healthcare, and gun rights.
Texas has a solid cultural identity that emphasizes individualism, which can influence the political leanings of its residents, including Democrats.
The state has seen a rise in progressive activism and grassroots movements, particularly in response to state-level policies on issues like voting rights, abortion, and education. This activism has contributed to a more energized Democratic base that we’re seeing in 2024.
Democrats in rural Texas are not shrinking into the shadows.
The president of the HCDW opened the meeting before Martin, Talarico, and Bohm spoke, and she talked about some of the tactics their club uses to ensure they are seen. HCDW and the Hood County Democratic Party have been in the July 4th parade as proud Democrats in Granbury (the county seat) for the last few years.
To understand why that’s amazing, I should point out that Hood County went 81% for Trump in 2020.
She also talked about “tip cards.” When they are at a restaurant and give a good tip, they leave a card without any identifying information, but it says, “This tip was given to you by a proud Democrat.”
She said that based on those two things alone, they’ve had people approach them and say, “We had no idea there were Democrats in Hood County.” This has turned out to be a great recruitment tool for their rural Democratic political club.
Of course, Hood County is red and will probably stay red this decade, but these women give me so much hope for Texas. Even in a predominantly red area, they are making sure to be visible to change perceptions and engage more people in Democratic politics.
It is this type of persistent effort and determination that defines Texas Democrats.
Here was Representative Talarico’s entire speech today:
Hannah Bohm for House District 59.
Hannah Bohm spoke today. I had a chance to talk to her before she spoke about doing an interview for Lone Star Left soon, so be on the lookout for that. HD59 covers Hood, Erath, Hamilton, and Coryell Counties. The incumbent is Republican Shelby Slawson.
Fun fact: Shelby Slawson blocked me on Twitter when I asked her about her rumored affair with Jared Patterson.
Hannah Bohm is amazing. She has a solid platform and stands on positions that could be popular with Democrats and Independents alike.
HD59 is a +54 Trump district, so we’ll stay optimistic, knowing that Democrats should run in these seats. Even if they don’t win, they can shift the district a few points to the left, which is always important for the long game.
Here was Hannah Bohm’s speech:
A lot of things are happening this week.
Senator Brandon Creighton’s DEI-ban compliance hearing is tomorrow in Austin. I will be watching it and will have a full breakdown, analysis, and clips after the meeting. (Unless it goes on too late, then I’ll have it to you on Wednesday.)
To understand the DEI-ban situation better, I suggest reading one of my previous articles on it.
Long story short, the DEI ban is extremely racist, and Senator Brandon Creighton, along with his MAGA counterparts in the House, made it clear as it passed through the legislative process that it was about race and increasing whiteness in Texas colleges and universities.
In April, Texas made national news when the University of Texas made sweeping DEI layoffs due to this DEI ban.
The law is racist, and Senator Creighton wants to do a “check-in” to make sure the racist law is being complied with. I’m expecting it to be a contentious meeting with perhaps some drama.
If you want to watch the hearing live, it’ll be here at 9:00 am.
Also, someone sent me a copy of the complaint letter to the Department of Justice regarding the jail deaths in Tarrant County. I’ve been carefully sifting through the details. It’s bad. I’ll have a full report on that later this week.
Staying informed is crucial.
Understanding these issues allows us to better advocate for their needs and rights, ensuring their voices are heard in the halls of power. Likewise, staying engaged through active participation in local meetings, events, and elections ensures that democracy continues to represent all its constituents.
The act of voting cannot be understated. It is the most fundamental expression of civic engagement and a direct way to influence the future of the community, state, and nation. Every vote contributes to shaping the policies that will govern us all, making it essential for everyone to participate in the electoral process, no matter how daunting the odds may seem.
These efforts I saw and heard in Hood County today are not just about promoting Democratic values; they are about sustaining the democratic process itself.
Vote early, vote often, just vote.
Important 2024 primary RUNOFF election days:
May 17, 2024: Last day to apply by mail
May 20, 2024: First day of early voting.
May 24, 2024: Last day of early voting.
May 28, 2024: Last day to receive a ballot by mail.
May 28, 2024: Election day.
LoneStarLeft’s Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram.
Good points. I previously would have thought those tip cards would be cringey, more for the domain of Republicans, but you've convinced me otherwise. We Democrats, need to be even more not shameless, but open, loud, courageous and persistent.
Great article. People ask why I continue to live in Texas and I reply “because this is where the fight is.”One simply correction. It is Hood County Texas Democratic Women, not Hood County Democrat Women. This chapter of Texas Democratic Women have been carrying the democratic banner proudly for Democrats for years. We have several rural counties fighting the good fight all over Texas. The women are amazing.