The following convention report was submitted for publication by Jerri Glover. Glover is a local realtor and served as a delegate to the 2018 Democratic State Convention in Fort Worth.
June 21 through June 23, I had the opportunity to attend my first ever Democratic Convention. I attended in order to serve as a delegate for Potter County/District 31. I had no idea what to expect. When asking others what to expect they used words like pep rally and high energy. They were RIGHT!
The event opened with a reception. A room full of Democrats from all over the State of Texas gathered, shared food and beverages. We stood at tables and chatted with people from Austin, Houston, San Antonio and others. Coming from the Texas Panhandle, which is largely assumed “Red” or conservative, it had been a very long time since I had been around that many like-minded people.
Friday was spent in caucuses. I attended the Women’s Caucus, Small Business Caucus and spent some time on the vendor floor representing local candidate for United States Congress, District 13, Greg Sagan. This offered the opportunity to meet even more people from across the State.
Friday afternoon was time to showcase the candidates running to represent Texas at both the Federal and State levels. Highlights included hearing from the Gubernatorial Candidate, Lupe Valdez, Lt. Governor Candidate, Mike Collier, Agriculture Commissioner Candidate, Kim Olson. Candidate showcase ended with Senatorial Candidate Beto O’Rourke bringing the house down with an inspiring and rousing speech.
Friday night it was time to elect representatives from our District 31 to committees to present platform issues on Saturday, in addition to electing our Committeeman and Committeewoman for District 31. Both are from the Midland/Odessa area.
Saturday’s educational sessions were canceled in favor of a rally in support of reunifying families that had been separated at the border. The rally heard several speakers from the Texas Democratic party and rally goers were loud an emphatic in the support of reuniting children with their parents.
Saturday afternoon the TDP set forth their platform for 2018 – 2020. The platform can be reviewed in detail here: https://www.txdemocrats.org/our-party/texas-democratic-party-platform/
The platform reflects the Democratic parties views of equality and justice for all.
It was an honor to attend the Texas Democratic Convention. I look forward to my next opportunity to attend and participate.
Photo by Texas Democratic Party