Chair Chat: The Race To Lead Texas Democrats
The hopefuls aiming to transform Texas politics.
Did you see the DNC Chair Forum on MSNBC earlier this week? I didn’t pay much attention to this election because plenty is happening in Texas to focus on. Still, I want to express my love for the Sunrise Movement, which is fighting against the establishment and repeatedly interrupted the forum in protest. Too many establishment Democrats, including several right here in Texas, have a long, ugly history of taking oil and gas money.
At this point in the climate crisis, anyone who still thinks it’s acceptable to take that dirty money doesn’t deserve to call themselves a leader. If you’re cashing checks from the same industry that’s poisoning our air and water, you’re actively contributing to the destruction of our planet. Period.
That’s why we need the Sunrise Movement and others like them. These young people understand that bold action is necessary because the status quo won’t cut it anymore. The climate crisis is here.
While some may have been annoyed by their protests during the DNC Chair Forum, I love how these activists hold the National Democratic Party accountable. They aren’t afraid to make noise. They’re demanding better because they know the stakes. Their fight is our fight. If Democrats want to win elections and have a future, they must listen to the next generation. That generation won’t wait for incremental change while the world burns.
This youth-led organization already has five hubs in Texas. It encourages people of all ages to participate in campaigns, organize local actions, and help spread its message. Plugs, because I love them:
The Chair race closer to home.
As I said, I didn’t pay too much attention to the DNC Chair race because there’s a closer Chair race that has a bigger impact on Texas Democrats, and that’s the race for the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) Chair.
The race for TDP Chair matters more to us Texans than the national DNC Chair race because state-level leadership directly impacts how we organize, strategize, and win elections right here at home. The national chair may set broad goals and provide resources, but it’s the state chair who’s responsible for building the party infrastructure we rely on to flip seats, recruit candidates, and turn out voters in critical elections.
For decades, Texas Democrats have faced uphill battles in a deep-red state, but we’ve seen signs of progress, especially in urban areas and some suburban districts. Yet, that progress can’t continue without strong leadership at the state level. The Texas Democratic Party needs someone with a clear vision to energize the grassroots, invest in voter registration efforts, and build coalitions across this massive state.
Winning Texas is key to national Democratic victories. We have 38 electoral votes, second only to California. A stronger state party means better chances to compete in statewide elections, like Governor and US Senate races, and down-ballot contests, which are often overlooked but crucial for redistricting, policy control, and local governance. The TDP Chair plays a pivotal role in determining whether the party is just surviving or finally thriving.
Who are the candidates running?
The latest forum took place yesterday in South Texas. The live stream can be viewed here. Only eight of the ten nine candidates were present. Rabbi Misha Ben-David was absent, and Darceal Tobey is no longer on the TDP’s list of candidates (assuming he’s dropped).
Candidates in order of how they were listed with TDP.
Steve Miller.
Steve Miller is a pastor and non-profit executive. His organization, the United States Christian Leadership Organization (USCLO), is a human rights organization dedicated to achieving racial equality and reconciliation. Miller also has a history of community activism in Bastrop County.
Steve Miller’s Instagram.
Misha Ben-David.
Misha Ben-David is an Austin rabbi who goes by the Twitter moniker “Rock and Roll Rabbi.” He has not yet appeared at the forums, so I can’t tell you much about him.
Misha Ben-David’s Twitter.
Kendall Scudder.
Kendall Scudder is originally from East Texas but currently resides in Dallas. He has a long history with the TDP, including serving on the SDEC and as our current Vice Chair of Finance. He is also the CEO of Armadillo Strategies, a political consulting firm, has a PAC and co-hosts a podcast.
Kendall Scudder’s website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Delia Parker-Mims.
Delia Parker-Mims is the current Chair of the Denton County Democratic Party. In 2022 and 2024, Denton County was one of the few counties that didn’t see the significant Democratic losses we saw around the state. Even though the voter turnout was low in 2024, Denton County Democrats gained voters (by numbers).
Delia Parker-Mims’ website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Aaron Arguijo.
Aaron Arguijo is a veteran and San Antonio resident. He has previous experience running for the US Senate and has participated in Democratic activism for several years.
Aaron Arguijo’s Instagram and Twitter.
Patricia Olivares.
Patricia Olivares grew up in Larado and currently lives in Houston. She is a veteran with several years of experience as a political campaign manager.
Patricia Olivares’ TikTok.
Patsy Woods Martin.
Patsy Woods Martin served as the Executive Director of Annie’s List for four years, retiring on April 1, 2018. After that, she launched a PAC that raised $700K for the State House race and raised $23 million as Finance Chair for the launch and first quarter of Beto’s run for Governor.
Patsy Woods Martin’s website, Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook.
Meri Gomez.
Meri Gomez is an RVG resident, a mom, and a business owner. She previously ran for the Texas State Senate.
Meri Gomez’s Facebook.
Lillie Schechter.
Lillie Schechter served as Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party in 2018 and 2020, which were outstanding years for the Party. During her term, several progressive Democrats were elected, including County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
Lillie Schechter’s website, Facebook, and Twitter.
What do I think about the candidates so far?
I think we have several great candidates who seem capable of taking on the tremendous job of party chair. I do not yet have a favorite, but I listen to every forum and debate livestreamed with an open mind. I encourage you to watch them too.
With so much at stake, Texas Democrats must choose a leader who can inspire grassroots organizing, build coalitions, and fight for a sustainable future. Each candidate brings unique experiences and strengths, but the next TDP Chair must be ready to challenge the status quo and invest in the long-term strategy needed to make Texas a competitive battleground.
Whether through the power of youth movements like Sunrise or the vision of strong state leadership, the path forward requires bold, decisive action. We don’t have time for complacency or half-measures. The climate crisis, economic inequality, and the lunatic in the White House demand that Texas Democrats rise to the occasion. Let’s hope whoever leads the TDP next understands that the state’s future depends on what we build today.
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Thanks for another informative article. I look forward to hearing about your favorite candidate for TDP chair and why. Somehow I don’t think that the ability to raise a lot of money for the party, though important, should be the primary consideration, unless it is from small donors. Otherwise, we then dilute our objectives to meet the needs of the big donors.
The ability and record to motivate a grassroots movement to win elections should be more important. We all have like minded friends and relatives that we can nudge to vote for good Democratic candidates, who are committed to serve the common good. The Chair needs to convince all such people to get involved and then encourage those in their network to do the same.
The Reach app is a good tool to do so. However, it has been disappointing that every organization wants its own interface and database for their app when there’s need for more collaboration off one database of Texas voters based on VAN. Hope the Chair can facilitate it.