Bringing the Excitement of the Democratic National Convention Back to Texas
State Rep. Ron Reynolds believes it’s crucial for delegates and elected leaders to carry the energy and enthusiasm of the Democratic National Convention back to Texas. Reynolds, a Democrat from Missouri City, played a prominent role at the convention and witnessed history as Kamala Harris accepted the party’s nomination for President, becoming the first Black and South Asian woman to do so.
Despite facing criticism for his early call for President Biden to drop out of the race following a poor debate performance, Reynolds remains optimistic about the future. He emphasizes the record fundraising, enthusiasm, and optimism surrounding Vice President Harris’s nomination, which he believes validates his stance.
Looking ahead, Reynolds acknowledges the challenges of translating convention energy into action in Texas. While he stops short of guaranteeing a Democratic victory in the state, he points to the demographics and Harris’s appeal as factors that could help flip seats in the Texas House.
As the chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, Reynolds highlights the electrifying effect of Harris’s candidacy on the African American community. He sees potential for Democrat pickups in urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, fueled by the enthusiasm generated by Harris’s historic candidacy.
However, Reynolds is also mindful of the hurdles Harris may face due to her race and gender. He believes there are lingering concerns about a woman serving as President, as well as biases against Harris’s African American and Indian heritage. Overcoming these challenges will be a key aspect of Harris’s campaign moving forward.
With early voting scheduled from October 21 to November 1 and election day on November 5, Reynolds urges Texas voters to stay engaged and bring the excitement and optimism of the national convention to the local level.