Thousands of delegates arrived in Corpus Christi Thursday, June 25 for the Texas Democratic Convention, giving a boost not only to the local economy but to the overall morale of the convention via concerts and shared values.
Many arrived from all over Texas to the Hilliard Center to find common ground with like-minded individuals who wish to turn the state blue.
Democratic candidates spoke with delegates, as they wish to represent their needs in the upcoming November elections. Events and activities included performances by mariachi bands and traditional Mexican folklorico dancers, along with a Donor Appreciation Reception at the Art Museum of South Texas.
The main attraction of the first day was a free welcome concert for convention participants featuring musical acts Lucky Joe, DJ El Dusty, with a special performance by Bobby Pulido, who is running for a U.S. House of Representatives seat in Texas’ 15th Congressional District.
Thursday also featured the “Drag Out The Vote” fundraiser with many Texan drag performers and hosted by the Texas Stonewall Democrats. Top Democrats spoke, such as chairman of the Texas Democrats Kendall Scudder, in support of the LGBTQ+ cause.
Thursday was just the start of the three-day convention, stated by organizers as “the largest gathering of Democrats this year,” with expected appearances from popular names such as Bernie Sanders and newcomer James Talarico.
Day 2 of the Texas Democratic Convention included pranks from Republican opposition to appearances from high profile Democrats, such as U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico.
Friday morning began with a food truck paid for by Gov. Greg Abbott circling outside the Hilliard Center, branded as “Talarico’s Tacos”, to give out menu items with pointed names such as the “Veggie Talarico,” “Open Border Brisket” and “Democrat Promises,” which was an empty tortilla.
The hijinks did not end there, with a Texas Longhorn being paraded around convention grounds with “DON’T BUY THE BULL” draped upon its back and “RadicalTexas.com” near a trashcan labeled “FULL OF BULL”.
For delegates and attendees however, their morning started with training sessions for the delegates on networking best practices, organization methods, and ways to properly handle digital/social media as Democratic influencers.
Numerous caucuses and congressional district committees followed, with an early visit at the Black Caucus meeting from Cory Booker and James Talarico to speak directly with their much needed black voters. The “Blue Wave Luncheon” featured keynote speaker Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
Toward the end of the day, a general session took place, filled with many statewide Democratic speakers and important Democratic top ticket names. Keynote speaker U.S. Sen. Cory Booker maintained composure during three outbursts from individuals who had to be escorted out by security as he continued to speak. The evening included a surprise visit from Dolores Huerta, American labor leader and activist, who gave guidance for the future generation in flipping the Lone Star State blue. Other speakers included lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin, governor candidate Gina Hinojosa, and Talarico.
The candidates presented a unified front, speaking to how division is how their opponents plan to win come November, and ending the night by joining hands and raising them to satisfied crowd roars.
Saturday, the final day of the three-day convention, ended with celebratory energy, minor protests, and remarks from self-described Democratic Socialist, Bernie Sanders.
The Saturday sessions aimed at creating a festive atmosphere for attendees who waited in line with live music by DJ, lines of dancing people circling the arena and beach balls flying in the air until Sanders arrived.
Outside, a group of about 10-15 protesters of the convention and supporters of the Republican party gathered outside in opposition to the idea of Texas ever turning blue.
The results for elected party officers were announced, with the biggest cheers for Kendall Scudder who won the race for Texas Democrat Chair, leading the party in the midterms.
The convention climax arrived when Sanders took the stage, speaking in the direction he sees the Democratic party needing to go: toward the working class. He touched on political points such as banning super PACS, ease of access to healthcare, taxation of the billionaire class, and “stopping the spending of billions on the genocidal Netanyahu government in Israel,”; that line met with the most thunderous applause of the night.
“We win because we believe in solidarity, we believe in a common humanity, and we know that when we stand together as one people, the oligarchs and all of their money will never defeat us,” Sanders said.
