Texas Democrats have started their first in-person convention since 2018. Delegates are meeting at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.
"We represent, in this party, the only hope the people of Texas have for a party that believes in democracy, the only hope for a party that believes in keeping our school children safe," says Former San Antonio Mayor and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro.
Delegates say they have seen more interest in the Democratic Party, even from people in suburban and rural areas.
"I think there are a lot of people who are kind of in the middle who really want to get rid of this 'runaway' Supreme Court and that type of thing," a delegate from Ellis County said.
"Our Facebook page has increased by 50% since they did the Roe v Wade thing," a delegate from Johnson County said.
At a reception Thursday night, Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said Democrats have an opportunity to lead on issues like codifying abortion and gun control.
"These are the issues, and many more, these families sit down at the kitchen table and worry about. It is our job, our duty, our responsibility to make sure those worries go away," he said.
Hinojosa has led the Texas Democratic Party since 2010. He is running for another term, but he will face two challengers in a vote Saturday: Kim Olson of Mineral Wells and Carroll Robinson, a former Houston City Councilman.
Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Beto O'Rourke is scheduled to speak at the convention Friday evening.
A poll released by the University of Houston this week showed Governor Greg Abbott leading O'Rourke 49-44% among likely voters. More than 90% of both candidates' supporters said they were "certain" about their choice.
Among likely voters, 50% view Abbott "favorably" and 47% "unfavorably." For O'Rourke, 45% view him "favorably" and 50% "unfavorably."
Friday, O'Rourke's campaign announced he had outraised Abbott over the past four months. From February 20 through June 30, Abbott's campaign raised $24.9 million; O'Rourke's campaign raised $27.6 million.
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