Thank you for this one especially Bilbo!! I believe this is one that we can win!
For those of you not familiar with Texas, let me give you some specifics:
From 1985-1989, I went to college there. From 1995 until actually 1 year ago today, I lived in Texas. So 32 of the last 39 years I was there. Previously, we started visiting the state in 1980, as my sister lived there from 1980-88. I went to school in Seguin, then lived in San Antonio and Austin. I lived in Austin from 1997 until 1 year ago today.
So I know a little something about the state.
Bilbo is correct in that Democrats have not won a statewide race in 30 years. But let’s look at a few things:
First off, if you notice the map, ALL of the major metropolitan areas are Blue. Ft. Worth is more purple, but the rest are Blue. And that is a change since I was there. Dallas used to be fairly Red. The suburbs are a bit more red, but the county itself used to be red.
And more people are moving there. Texas has no state tax, but they make up for that in property taxes. But they are bringing blue state politics there. Travis County where Austin is, has always been very blue. But in my time there, one of the amazing things I saw was the change in Williamson County. Williamson is just north of Travis and it used to be BLOOD Red. I mean, I am talking almost a fascist county. It is now purple due to the people who have moved there and they have elected Democrats. If Williamson can change, so can Texas.
The trends are there for Texas to turn Blue — it is only a matter of when. And Texas Republicans know their days are numbered.
Second, the Republicans there are now in a state of Civil War. The Texas House unbelievably impeached that piece of shit crook Ken Paxton — don’t get me started on this motherfucker as I could write all day on him. Now he is on the warpath to primary those Republicans who did. And one of Greg Abbott’s sugar daddies wants to have the state pay for Religious based schools. The Legislature shot that down. Now Abbott is on the warpath against those Republicans. The Texas Legislature only meets in odd numbered years so they are not in session now. But with them fighting each other, it is possible that even with the gerrymandering, Texas Democrats could make some gains.
Third, Dobbs and Katie Cox. Abortion could play a big role here. Like Florida, this issue could put the state in play.
Fourth, and Bilbo touched on this, Texas is not so much Red as it is a non-voting state. In 2014, 68% of Texans didn't bother to vote. That election crushed me as I had volunteered for the Governor’s race. Battleground Texas is still going on there and they have been making enough inroads that Texas Republicans are getting nervous.
Finally, Ted Cruz himself. I don’t have to write on this as we all know what a piece of shit he is! And Bilbo did a good summary of this.
Let me tell you about Snowpocalypse — In February 2021, we had a huge snow and ice storm. Texas, in its infinite stupidity, is not connected to the national electric grid, and as long as they power companies pay off Greg Abbott, they won’t be. I am 6’2”, and in Austin, we had snow up to my knees. That had NEVER happened — we would get dustings but nothing like that. We were lucky as we only lost power for 36 hours, over Sunday and Monday. But then on Wednesday, we lost water. Because of the fact there there was no electricity, the water system could not filter the water. We were without water until Sunday. That was the scarier part! Let me tell you from experience — I was filling up coolers with snow and taking them up to the bathtubs. The amount of water you get from snow is not much.
That was when #CancunCruz decided to flee the state — noticeably leaving his dog there. You should follow his dog on Twitter as it is funny.
HE DIDN’T LIFT ONE MOTHERFUCKING FINGER TO HELP ANYONE IN THE STATE!!
Meanwhile, Beto was mobilizing his base to get water to people and to help out those who needed it.
Hundreds died, yet “The Party of Life” doesn’t give a shit and this is not talked about in the media. People froze in their homes, people’s homes were flooded out, and many people suffered more than we did.
To the best of my knowledge, the state didn’t do shit about this either.
FOR THIS REASON ALONE, CRUZ SHOULD GO!!!
I volunteered on Beto’s 2018 campaign, and let me tell you it was ELECTRIC! Beto lit a fire under the ass of a dead state Party and woke it up! While we were not successful then, he came close! So there is an audience to defeat Cruz! That year, we won 12 State House seats and 2 State Senate seats. So they have a viable Party structure there.
Don’t get me started about 2022. I am still heartbroken about this.
I can say this about Texas Republicans — while there support may be a mile wide, it is an inch deep. NO Texas Republican is beloved, especially not Cruz!
Bilbo, your analysis of the state is spot on!! The Metro areas need to come out HARD to win this! And if anyone has connections in the Valley, they need to use them! The Hispanic vote there could be a sleeping giant if they could get motivated correctly!
Finally let me address this crowd:
I know what is coming in the comments — “F**k Texas, Texas should secede, the country is better off without Texas”. Combine that with the pessimists, and it is no wonder that nobody believes in Texas.
I can speak from experience — there are WAY too many good people in this state to write it off! I wish I was still there!! Texans are good, kind, and big hearted people!
Not only will the country be better off without Cruz, but Texas definitely would! And if we turn Texas Blue, NO Republican will ever win the White House again!
Texans deserve better! Please do not abandon them!! If you can, please help out!
I believe we can win this one!!! Is it a long shot — probably. But we can’t win if we don’t try!
Great Diary Bilbo, Thank You! Hopefully my comments help.
