I recently traveled to Austin for the Democratic National Committee's third-quarter meeting, held August 13–15, 2026. The gathering brought Democratic leaders, members, advocates, and organizers together for several days of meetings, council sessions, briefings, and conversations about the work ahead.
For me, attending the meeting was about more than being present in the room. It was an opportunity to listen, learn, build relationships, and better understand the national conversations that will shape organizing and voter engagement heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
The meeting schedule included committee and council sessions, candidate and congressional updates, regional caucuses, training, and issue-focused discussions. I was especially interested in the Small Business Owners Council because supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening access to resources for small businesses remain important priorities in my public-service work.
The sessions also reinforced how important Texas will be in the upcoming midterm elections. What happens in our state will have consequences far beyond Texas, which makes coordination, voter engagement, leadership development, and strong local organizations even more important.
One of the most valuable parts of these meetings is the opportunity to connect with people doing the work in different communities across the country. Sharing ideas and hearing different perspectives helps us identify approaches that can be adapted locally while keeping the needs of our own communities at the center.
I returned from Austin energized and focused on bringing what I learned back to Congressional District 29. My goal is to continue strengthening communication, supporting precinct leaders and volunteers, expanding voter engagement, and making sure our communities have a meaningful voice in the work ahead.
National meetings matter most when the information and relationships developed there are brought back home and put to work. That is the kind of connection I intend to continue building between CD29, the Texas Democratic Party, and the broader Democratic community.
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