Great article. I love the grapevine political chatter. I am going to forgo the poll and present my picks for which office. My criteria is voter-based and what would I think would be best for Texas, not what the candidate would prefer nor what might shake out via various political scenarios.
Criteria: Who can best enact legislation which will relieve the authoritarian, right wing reactionary bullshit currently destroying people's lives? As a corollary to that, who can best market the rollback of Republican bullshit to pragmatic, Texas Republicans who secretly share these goals? Who can use school vouchers and other recent laws antagonistic to rural and business-minded voters to win hearts and minds for Texas Democrats? Because it is just a fact we have got to do this to win here.
Where will each candidate's unique talents best serve the state of Texas?
1. Governor: Beto. The governor's office doesn't have a lot of direct legislative power. However, it has a bully pulpit and a national profile that can be used to control the narrative, thus keeping our agenda on track. Beto has the kind of telegenic charisma and energy to do this. He is not just authentic, he is fluent in the Texas mindset. I think he is the perfect salesman for us. He seems to have managed to fundraise all over the nation without letting out of state donors capture him, which could be a real asset. He speaks from the heart, but honestly I haven't seen him having a lot real policy chops. And I say this with love.
2. Lt. Governor: Talarico. This is the power position. This position requires backroom deal-making and technocratic procedural cat-herding to actually accomplish legislative goals. I think Talarico has these skills as a legislator. More importantly, he exudes public service. His Christianity is deployed so well, it should allow him to make deals with reasonable Republicans, restore good faith compromise and get actual laws passed to neutralize Republican tyranny. He could also be a good emissary into Republican voter ranks, especially in the stubbornly red, rural districts where they haven't actually seen a Democrat in twenty years. He is not the scary monster they have been led to believe Democrats are. This guy has the kind of credibility and smarts to really get things done in the lege.
3. AG: Castro. He's a lawyer. He's a progressive, he is honest and he is smart. That should be enough. We shall see. I like Jaworski but he comes off as a rich boy, which he is (so is Beto for that matter, but anyway). It's a little harder for rich boys to seem relatable with a certain set of voters. I think Castro's hardscrabble life in San Antonio and his links to Latino voters will be a plus. When you think of what the AG office really is, a consumer protection agency, not a min-DOJ, Castro is the guy. I remember when the AG was aggressively protecting consumers from deceptive trade practices and other harmful commercial practices. It's time the OAG stopped prancing around on the national stage as if it is a criminal prosecutor. It really is not. It is civil enforcement and local DA's decide whether to prosecute if the AG refers a party to them.
Now I'm left with Senator. I agree Allred is not the guy. He really should go back to Congress and represent the DFW suburbs with the timid, tepid kind of voting that doesn't upset anyone's apple cart. So, I am going to nominate Roland Guitterez.
My heart was with Guitterez. His ads, his persona, everything screamed 'real Texan' to me. I may live in North Texas now, but I grew up in Hays County where Tejanos were a political force. Guitterez fit that mold perfectly. So, I wanted to vote for him. But, I fell for the erroneous idea that a Republican-lite like Allred would win based on getting Republicans to cross over. Nope. They don't cross over when Democrats are just a pale imitation of their candidates. They just take their candidates straight instead of watered down.
When I saw how Allred was campaigning in the bland, indifferent style of DC, my heart sank. When I went to door-knock for him and saw the phone-it-in hired guns from California just going through the motions and probably doing more harm than good with their lack of Texas fluency, I got mad. At that moment, I knew Allred was fixing to lose.
I am a political junkie and a Texas politics follower since I was a child. But, thinking as a voter who needs relief from the horrible crap Republicans in Austin are putting down, this is what I would like to see on my ticket. National Democrats love Beto and Talrico, but they can't have them. I want them here, helping us Texans, not entertaining national Democrats like Wendy Davis did. That does not butter our bread.
Sister Michelle just laid down the gospel like it came straight from the burning bush of blue strategy, and y’all better not try to rewrite it with crayon.
What I’m hearing (and bowing to) is this: there’s room at the table if the boys stop auditioning for the same damn seat at the feast. Talarico’s got that prophetic fire, Castro walks like a statesman, Beto’s the people’s ghost who won’t quit—and Allred needs to stop showing up like someone invited him to the sermon when he didn’t even read the scripture.
May the DNC keep their greasy fingers out of the sacrament this time. Texas is winnable. Let’s not let the egos turn wine into whine.
We desperately need each of them to run for a different race. It would be a bigger and better draw. I don't want to see any of them competing in for the same position. I am completely torn between Talarico and Goodwin for Lt. Governor. Both are qualified, but Talarico has better name recognition, especially with all his work on public education.
I would love to see Castro for Senate, Beto for governor, Talarico or Goodwin for Lt. Governor. Allred for Attorney General. But, maybe even someone else for that job.
The more cohesive they are as a group, the better we all will be.
Castro for Governor, Talrico for LG, Jaworski for AG, and (I don’t think he would ever run) but, Matthew Dowd for Senate. Allred is a non-starter…for anything. I love Beto, but I just don’t think, for whatever reason, he’s electable.
And I wish they would run as a team. Our answer to the 3 most hateful, bigoted, useless leaders in the state.
Castro for Gov, Talarico for Lt. Gov. Not sure about AG—though I am a big fan of Rochelle Garza, it's depressing that Texas voters overwhelmingly chose KPax (and depressing that the GOP chose Paxton over the bland, tractable Prince George P. Bush).
I'd LOVE to see Jasmine Crockett run for Senate, but we can't afford to lose her in the House. That said, she'd make a kick-ass AG.
as regards to the never ready Allred-y...he came to FTW once in 2024...its about a 35 min drive, portal to portal....Dallas to FTW
Beto had an actual office in FTW.....and lots and lots of signs and lots of footsoldiers........in 2018 ....he made em swoon in 76109...less of a presence in 2022...
just a thought anyone......abbott vetos kids school lunches but approve $300M for movies........Hollywood Greg anyone? where's Costello, heh Hollywood Abbott? .....roughing it out to speak
i love some variant on Texas is 1st at being last.......
As I read MD's column, I am heartened by her innumerating and illuminating the shear talent we have to bring to bear against the neo-Confederacy of Abbott......when i stop and ponder and wonder why? why? why?
i know the historical answer....i would hate for my answser to be in 2026 because TDP and Candidates didn't storm the formerly Blue, Jim Wright loving, Beto, Allred , yes that Allred , winning , county of Tarrant and its 100,000 Hispanics that didn't vote....not the ones who went for Trump but the ones who didn't vote at all.
We here in the aforementioned County are not and I repeat ARE NOT going to do anything to reach out to the non-voter. . We are pathologically incapable of reaching out.......The proverbial reach around? all the time.,,,morning, noon and nite.....insiders constantly stroking the other insiders bruised egos or butt hurt should someone question their competency.........but to reach out to Hispanics who are totally disengaged from the politics that envelope them because they are totally IGNORED by us Dems in Panther City and surrounds.
It is simple.....Statewide Dems......gang tackle Funky Town...set up offices in Northside , ignore TCDP, throw block parties, engage Dem orgs and union halls.....spend 10% of what u will spend collectively on voters and turnout , have a squad in front of every Walmart.....'Trump raised these prices' , pickets at every hotel ICE stays at........big e-billboards with a message of the day....oh where to start...i could come up with 2 dozens between this Shiner and the next.......
Broken Record Dept: with today's SCOTUS ruling it sound like Texas will get to decide whose a citizen or not......
since we have no county wide D, we have no effective leader or spokesman.......the Chair is the only one in position to do that....most never have bothered to speak to constituents.....
In Tarr Coun..we have some 150,000 Hispanic voters who didn't. MD has the correct sentiment and better numbers, but u get the picture
so i am imploring anyone and everyone at this last minute....selection is July 7....we need a bi-lingual Hispanic Chair who can speak to these non-voters......u have the white D's and Black D's...we will turnout.....we need someone who can speaking to the Latino non-voters....
i think when u explain that Abbott and Trump will take AWAY little Rosa's US Citizenship it will be motivating.
Just saw this on the New Yorker. What do you say, Michelle?
“But even if every eligible person in the country would have voted, Trump still would have won the 2024 presidential election, the analysis found.
Among non-voters, 44% would have voted for Trump, while 40% said they would have backed Harris – shattering the longstanding political belief that higher turnout helps Democrats.”
Darn, I wished I had read this before the Beto Town Hall.
I agree what you wrote about Allred. Have you heard of a guy running for Senate by the name of Terry Virts, any opinions about him? At first glance, I wasn’t a fan, but I could change my mind. If some of your hypotheticals ring true, the primary elections will be tough. I too have been wondering about Jessica Cisneros.
The DNC upsets me more and more. I’m just learning so I had no idea about the backdoor shenanigans. 🤦🏽♀️
Congressman Talarico told me that he was not running for Governor (last Labor Day) after I begged him to run for Gov. Has he changed his mind? I just want Good Democratic Party candidates to win every election! To show the GOP 😠
He's running for the State Senate again this year. The last time I spoke with him, he said he had no plans beyond that (and his wife wouldn't let him).
Thanks again for a very informative article. My humble opinion is that Talarico should run for Governor, Joaquin for LG or AG, and Beto for US Senator.
Granted Beto has lost for Senator and Governor but he has the right values, experience and passion to run an effective state wide campaign. He was ill advised to run for presidency. I think that any serious candidate for president should have won a state wide election.
I have heard both Beto and Joaquin speak to Democrats in person. Though both have the same values, Beto is able to communicate with a lot more passion and conviction. Also Beto doesn’t give that much deference to the wishes of DNC.
Talarico will be great for any position that he wishes to pursue. Based on his experience, he is the ideal candidate for Texas Governor.
Even though, I am not a fan of Nixon , he lost to JFK but came back to win the presidency. I agree that DNC should keep away from the primaries and for that matter so should TDP. Let the best candidates emerge from the primaries without external interference.
Great article. I love the grapevine political chatter. I am going to forgo the poll and present my picks for which office. My criteria is voter-based and what would I think would be best for Texas, not what the candidate would prefer nor what might shake out via various political scenarios.
Criteria: Who can best enact legislation which will relieve the authoritarian, right wing reactionary bullshit currently destroying people's lives? As a corollary to that, who can best market the rollback of Republican bullshit to pragmatic, Texas Republicans who secretly share these goals? Who can use school vouchers and other recent laws antagonistic to rural and business-minded voters to win hearts and minds for Texas Democrats? Because it is just a fact we have got to do this to win here.
Where will each candidate's unique talents best serve the state of Texas?
1. Governor: Beto. The governor's office doesn't have a lot of direct legislative power. However, it has a bully pulpit and a national profile that can be used to control the narrative, thus keeping our agenda on track. Beto has the kind of telegenic charisma and energy to do this. He is not just authentic, he is fluent in the Texas mindset. I think he is the perfect salesman for us. He seems to have managed to fundraise all over the nation without letting out of state donors capture him, which could be a real asset. He speaks from the heart, but honestly I haven't seen him having a lot real policy chops. And I say this with love.
2. Lt. Governor: Talarico. This is the power position. This position requires backroom deal-making and technocratic procedural cat-herding to actually accomplish legislative goals. I think Talarico has these skills as a legislator. More importantly, he exudes public service. His Christianity is deployed so well, it should allow him to make deals with reasonable Republicans, restore good faith compromise and get actual laws passed to neutralize Republican tyranny. He could also be a good emissary into Republican voter ranks, especially in the stubbornly red, rural districts where they haven't actually seen a Democrat in twenty years. He is not the scary monster they have been led to believe Democrats are. This guy has the kind of credibility and smarts to really get things done in the lege.
3. AG: Castro. He's a lawyer. He's a progressive, he is honest and he is smart. That should be enough. We shall see. I like Jaworski but he comes off as a rich boy, which he is (so is Beto for that matter, but anyway). It's a little harder for rich boys to seem relatable with a certain set of voters. I think Castro's hardscrabble life in San Antonio and his links to Latino voters will be a plus. When you think of what the AG office really is, a consumer protection agency, not a min-DOJ, Castro is the guy. I remember when the AG was aggressively protecting consumers from deceptive trade practices and other harmful commercial practices. It's time the OAG stopped prancing around on the national stage as if it is a criminal prosecutor. It really is not. It is civil enforcement and local DA's decide whether to prosecute if the AG refers a party to them.
Now I'm left with Senator. I agree Allred is not the guy. He really should go back to Congress and represent the DFW suburbs with the timid, tepid kind of voting that doesn't upset anyone's apple cart. So, I am going to nominate Roland Guitterez.
My heart was with Guitterez. His ads, his persona, everything screamed 'real Texan' to me. I may live in North Texas now, but I grew up in Hays County where Tejanos were a political force. Guitterez fit that mold perfectly. So, I wanted to vote for him. But, I fell for the erroneous idea that a Republican-lite like Allred would win based on getting Republicans to cross over. Nope. They don't cross over when Democrats are just a pale imitation of their candidates. They just take their candidates straight instead of watered down.
When I saw how Allred was campaigning in the bland, indifferent style of DC, my heart sank. When I went to door-knock for him and saw the phone-it-in hired guns from California just going through the motions and probably doing more harm than good with their lack of Texas fluency, I got mad. At that moment, I knew Allred was fixing to lose.
I am a political junkie and a Texas politics follower since I was a child. But, thinking as a voter who needs relief from the horrible crap Republicans in Austin are putting down, this is what I would like to see on my ticket. National Democrats love Beto and Talrico, but they can't have them. I want them here, helping us Texans, not entertaining national Democrats like Wendy Davis did. That does not butter our bread.
Sister Michelle just laid down the gospel like it came straight from the burning bush of blue strategy, and y’all better not try to rewrite it with crayon.
What I’m hearing (and bowing to) is this: there’s room at the table if the boys stop auditioning for the same damn seat at the feast. Talarico’s got that prophetic fire, Castro walks like a statesman, Beto’s the people’s ghost who won’t quit—and Allred needs to stop showing up like someone invited him to the sermon when he didn’t even read the scripture.
May the DNC keep their greasy fingers out of the sacrament this time. Texas is winnable. Let’s not let the egos turn wine into whine.
No notes, just incense and applause.
We desperately need each of them to run for a different race. It would be a bigger and better draw. I don't want to see any of them competing in for the same position. I am completely torn between Talarico and Goodwin for Lt. Governor. Both are qualified, but Talarico has better name recognition, especially with all his work on public education.
I would love to see Castro for Senate, Beto for governor, Talarico or Goodwin for Lt. Governor. Allred for Attorney General. But, maybe even someone else for that job.
The more cohesive they are as a group, the better we all will be.
My dream would be:
Castro for Governor, Talrico for LG, Jaworski for AG, and (I don’t think he would ever run) but, Matthew Dowd for Senate. Allred is a non-starter…for anything. I love Beto, but I just don’t think, for whatever reason, he’s electable.
And I wish they would run as a team. Our answer to the 3 most hateful, bigoted, useless leaders in the state.
Castro for Gov, Talarico for Lt. Gov. Not sure about AG—though I am a big fan of Rochelle Garza, it's depressing that Texas voters overwhelmingly chose KPax (and depressing that the GOP chose Paxton over the bland, tractable Prince George P. Bush).
I'd LOVE to see Jasmine Crockett run for Senate, but we can't afford to lose her in the House. That said, she'd make a kick-ass AG.
as regards to the never ready Allred-y...he came to FTW once in 2024...its about a 35 min drive, portal to portal....Dallas to FTW
Beto had an actual office in FTW.....and lots and lots of signs and lots of footsoldiers........in 2018 ....he made em swoon in 76109...less of a presence in 2022...
just a thought anyone......abbott vetos kids school lunches but approve $300M for movies........Hollywood Greg anyone? where's Costello, heh Hollywood Abbott? .....roughing it out to speak
i love some variant on Texas is 1st at being last.......
Yes Yes Yes! They all need to have another meeting and draw straws.
All for one and one for all!
As I read MD's column, I am heartened by her innumerating and illuminating the shear talent we have to bring to bear against the neo-Confederacy of Abbott......when i stop and ponder and wonder why? why? why?
i know the historical answer....i would hate for my answser to be in 2026 because TDP and Candidates didn't storm the formerly Blue, Jim Wright loving, Beto, Allred , yes that Allred , winning , county of Tarrant and its 100,000 Hispanics that didn't vote....not the ones who went for Trump but the ones who didn't vote at all.
We here in the aforementioned County are not and I repeat ARE NOT going to do anything to reach out to the non-voter. . We are pathologically incapable of reaching out.......The proverbial reach around? all the time.,,,morning, noon and nite.....insiders constantly stroking the other insiders bruised egos or butt hurt should someone question their competency.........but to reach out to Hispanics who are totally disengaged from the politics that envelope them because they are totally IGNORED by us Dems in Panther City and surrounds.
It is simple.....Statewide Dems......gang tackle Funky Town...set up offices in Northside , ignore TCDP, throw block parties, engage Dem orgs and union halls.....spend 10% of what u will spend collectively on voters and turnout , have a squad in front of every Walmart.....'Trump raised these prices' , pickets at every hotel ICE stays at........big e-billboards with a message of the day....oh where to start...i could come up with 2 dozens between this Shiner and the next.......
Storm Tarrant County and you will win Texas....
Broken Record Dept: with today's SCOTUS ruling it sound like Texas will get to decide whose a citizen or not......
since we have no county wide D, we have no effective leader or spokesman.......the Chair is the only one in position to do that....most never have bothered to speak to constituents.....
In Tarr Coun..we have some 150,000 Hispanic voters who didn't. MD has the correct sentiment and better numbers, but u get the picture
so i am imploring anyone and everyone at this last minute....selection is July 7....we need a bi-lingual Hispanic Chair who can speak to these non-voters......u have the white D's and Black D's...we will turnout.....we need someone who can speaking to the Latino non-voters....
i think when u explain that Abbott and Trump will take AWAY little Rosa's US Citizenship it will be motivating.
We had a bilingual chair in Gilberto Hinojosa- from the Rio Grande Valley. No hizo nada. 👎 Outside of political circles, no one knew him.
Skudder might not speak Spanish but he shows up and he’s well liked. I’ve been in those town halls where he shows up.
We can now translate in real-time on our phones. That has to count for something. 😉
Just saw this on the New Yorker. What do you say, Michelle?
“But even if every eligible person in the country would have voted, Trump still would have won the 2024 presidential election, the analysis found.
Among non-voters, 44% would have voted for Trump, while 40% said they would have backed Harris – shattering the longstanding political belief that higher turnout helps Democrats.”
Darn, I wished I had read this before the Beto Town Hall.
I agree what you wrote about Allred. Have you heard of a guy running for Senate by the name of Terry Virts, any opinions about him? At first glance, I wasn’t a fan, but I could change my mind. If some of your hypotheticals ring true, the primary elections will be tough. I too have been wondering about Jessica Cisneros.
The DNC upsets me more and more. I’m just learning so I had no idea about the backdoor shenanigans. 🤦🏽♀️
Congressman Talarico told me that he was not running for Governor (last Labor Day) after I begged him to run for Gov. Has he changed his mind? I just want Good Democratic Party candidates to win every election! To show the GOP 😠
Good night.
There’s already a coalition formed to try and talk him into running for Troy Neil’s seat.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention Rolando Gutierrez. What’s your take on his future?
He's running for the State Senate again this year. The last time I spoke with him, he said he had no plans beyond that (and his wife wouldn't let him).
I agree with Cynthia’s assessment. Let’s look at skill set and strengths!
Thanks again for a very informative article. My humble opinion is that Talarico should run for Governor, Joaquin for LG or AG, and Beto for US Senator.
Granted Beto has lost for Senator and Governor but he has the right values, experience and passion to run an effective state wide campaign. He was ill advised to run for presidency. I think that any serious candidate for president should have won a state wide election.
I have heard both Beto and Joaquin speak to Democrats in person. Though both have the same values, Beto is able to communicate with a lot more passion and conviction. Also Beto doesn’t give that much deference to the wishes of DNC.
Talarico will be great for any position that he wishes to pursue. Based on his experience, he is the ideal candidate for Texas Governor.
Even though, I am not a fan of Nixon , he lost to JFK but came back to win the presidency. I agree that DNC should keep away from the primaries and for that matter so should TDP. Let the best candidates emerge from the primaries without external interference.