CHICAGO — Texas Democrats gathered as a group for the opening day of the Democratic National Convention and are hoping the party can continue its momentum into Election Day.
Texas has 273 delegates to the DNC, which continues through Thursday when each state’s delegates cast their votes for the party’s nominee for president. Follow our coverage of the DNC here. Each day features a speaking lineup including national and statewide Democratic officials and activists. Here are the Texans speaking at the DNC.
“Now is the time for us to be bold. Now is not the time to let Trump get away with the outrage and that takes standing up for the policies we believe in,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said at the DNC.
National leaders, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, say they’re hopeful Democrats can maintain their momentum. Kamala Harris has been gaining over former President Donald Trump in the polls, but the presidential race remains close.
“I do believe we can sustain a level of this energy. I think that’s why she’s pulling ahead in the polls and it’s such a contrast. Donald Trump wants to take us back. He wants to settle his grievances. He wants to further the us versus them, turn everything into a culture war. Kamala Harris wants to move us forward,” Beshear said.
“There are a number of barriers for people in Texas – Republicans have also passed incredible barriers to voting for people in Texas – but what we are seeing is an incredible groundswell, an incredible energy, they want these rights back. That’s true in Texas as much as it is all over the country,” added Jessica Mackler of the pro-choice advocacy group Emily’s List.
Outside the convention, though, not all on the left agree. Some self-described leftists began protesting outside the DNC Sunday, calling on Democrats to cut financial aid to Israel and better protect Palestinian civilians and plan to continue protesting throughout the convention. A pro-Israel group gathered in counterprotest.