Key Qualifications For The Next Texas Democratic Party Chair

Rebuilding the Texas Democratic Party from the ground up.

Today, the Texas Progressive Caucus announced that it will host a debate in January for the candidates running for the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) Chair. Because Chair Hinojosa is resigning during the middle of his term, the new Chair will be voted in by the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) at their quarterly meeting in March.

The State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) is the governing body of the Texas Democratic Party. It comprises leaders from Texas’ 38 congressional districts, elected at each State Convention, and official caucus representatives chosen by their respective groups. The SDEC is responsible for conducting party business and overseeing activities across the state. There are 128 SDEC members.

Click here to sign up to attend the January debate in person (LBJ Ranch) or via Zoom.

When the SDEC selects a chair in March, that person will serve the rest of Gilberto Hinojosa’s term until Summer 2026. And while the Party has voted to pay a full-time chair beginning with the next term, whomever they select will be unpaid for the remainder of this term. This is just one of the many factors the SDEC needs to consider when deciding.

What are the qualifications that a new Chair should have?

To succeed and build a winning strategy and state party, the next Chair of the Texas Democratic Party needs to meet many qualifications and expectations.

Proven leadership skills.

The next TDP Chair must bring a strong track record of managing large organizations, political campaigns, parties, or complex initiatives. This experience is crucial for overseeing the Party’s multifaceted operations, from fundraising and voter outreach to managing staff and coordinating statewide efforts.

Candidates without experience working in this type of space should not be considered. The next Chair will also need to focus on building coalitions among diverse groups within the Party, including grassroots activists, elected officials, and community organizations. The Chair must navigate internal party dynamics with diplomacy and foster unity to strengthen the Party’s collective efforts.

Fundraising expertise.

Let’s face it: one of the TDP’s biggest failures in recent years has been its failure to raise capital. The next Chair must focus on raising money, even if the National Party hangs us out to dry. That means raising money in Texas with Texans. The next Chair will need strong connections with donors and the ability to inspire grassroots financial support.

A 254-county strategy.

Texas is a vast and diverse state with 254 counties, each with a unique political landscape, challenges, and opportunities. To build a winning Democratic Party, the next TDP Chair must commit to a comprehensive 254-county strategy that ensures no community is left behind.

There have long been rumors that the TDP has spent too much time focusing on urban counties, but as someone who lives in an urban county, I can tell you that I haven’t seen it. Maybe that’s because the focus hasn’t been anywhere. This imbalance weakens the overall Democratic infrastructure and leaves too many voters feeling abandoned by the Party.

A 254-county strategy means engaging with voters everywhere, from the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley and from the Piney Woods to West Texas. It involves supporting Democratic candidates in every race, no matter how red the district may appear. While some counties may not flip blue overnight, organizing in these areas builds long-term relationships and lays the groundwork for future successes.

A robust precinct chair strategy.

The foundation of any successful political party lies in its grassroots, and in Texas, precinct chairs are the backbone of local organizing efforts. With roughly 9,500 precinct chairs statewide, these individuals play a crucial role in engaging voters, recruiting volunteers, and building the regional infrastructure needed to turn out the vote. Unfortunately, Republicans have consistently outmaneuvered Democrats in this area, often filling precinct chair positions in even the most rural and sparsely populated counties.

To build a stronger Texas Democratic Party, the next TDP Chair must prioritize a robust precinct chair recruitment and support strategy. This means working tirelessly to identify, recruit, and train passionate Democrats to serve in every available precinct chair position across the state. Each vacant seat represents a missed opportunity to organize locally and connect directly with voters.

Media and communication skills.

For a long time, the TDP’s media priority has been sending press releases on issues that have been happening. Obviously, that hasn’t worked. In the digital age, communicating effectively across various platforms is essential for any political leader, and the next Texas Democratic Party Chair must excel in this area.

Strong public speaking, media relations, and digital outreach capabilities are crucial to effectively convey the Party’s vision and inspire voters across the state. The next Chair must counter Republican narratives and build a more substantial, engaged Democratic base. Communication will be a crucial weapon in the fight to turn Texas blue.

Experience with diverse communities.

Texas is one of the most diverse states in the nation, and the next Texas Democratic Party Chair must have the experience and ability to engage meaningfully with its wide range of communities. From Latino and Black voters to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, as well as LGBTQ+ Texans, the Chair must demonstrate a commitment to representing and addressing the unique needs of each group. Building an inclusive and equitable party infrastructure is essential to energizing the base and expanding the electorate.

A commitment to grassroots organizing.

At the heart of any successful political movement lies grassroots organizing. The next Texas Democratic Party Chair must bring a proven commitment to building and supporting grassroots efforts, which are critical to energizing voters, mobilizing communities, and sustaining long-term political success in the state.

Grassroots efforts are about meeting people where they are—on their doorsteps, at local events, and in their communities. This type of engagement builds trust and fosters relationships that can’t be replicated through top-down campaigns or paid advertisements alone. Local organizers, precinct chairs, and activists are the lifeblood of the Democratic Party. By supporting their work, the Chair can ensure that the Party is building a deep bench of future leaders who are connected to the communities they serve.

We know what we need, but who is running?

From what I understand, five or six people have already announced they are running, but not all have made an “official announcement.” Then, there are likely another ten people who are rumored to be considering running.

I don't have a list for you because we don’t have all of the “official announcements” yet, and some are still mulling it over. However, before the January debate, I will publish a list of who is running with bios for each.

The Texas Democratic Party stands at a crossroads, and deciding who will become the next Chair is among the most critical in recent history.

The Party has the potential to harness the power of Texas’ diverse population, energize grassroots movements, and build an infrastructure that can compete with the Republican machine. However, achieving this requires bold leadership, strategic vision, and a Chair who can meet the moment.

The January debate will be an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their vision and plans for the Party. It’s up to the SDEC, and ultimately all Texas Democrats, to demand a Chair who can unite, organize, and lead us to a brighter future.

The stakes have never been higher, but with the right leadership, Texas Democrats can rise to the occasion.

• December 9: House Administration Committee meets to debate rules.

• January 14: The 89th Legislative Session begins.

• March 14: The last day Legislators can file bills.

• June 2: The 89th Legislative Session ends.

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