Dallas political consultant Kendall Scudder on Saturday was elected chairman of the Texas Democratic Party and immediately promised to build an organization that would make the “Texas working men and women proud.”
Scudder replaces former Cameron County Judge Gilberto Hinojosa, who announced his resignation in November after disappointing losses in the 2024 election. Hinojosa led the party for 12 years.
Since then, party leaders, activists and elected officials have been pondering strategies to start winning statewide elections and protecting Democratic strongholds. Republicans have dominated Texas politics since 2003, when they took control of the entire Legislature and every statewide office. Democrats haven’t won a statewide contest since 1994.
Though chairpersons of Texas political parties don’t have the clout of their counterparts in other states, they play a role in messaging, grassroots activity and fundraising to boost candidates up and down the ballot.
“A lot of people are counting on us to come together and do the right thing and make sure that we’re building a Texas Democratic Party that is worthy of the grassroots in this state,” Scudder said after winning an election held by 121 members of the party’s executive committee. “I know that you’re up for the task…and I can’t wait to work with every one of you to build this Texas Democratic Party that we deserve.”
Scudder will fill the remainder of Hinojosa’s term, which ends in 2026. He got 65 of 121 votes in the eight-candidate field. Former Annie List’s executive director Patsy Woods Martin was second with 27 votes and Houston consultant Lillie Schechter was third with 26.
Democrats agree they need someone to pull together the sometimes disparate factions of the party in order to win elections. Scudder said he would work toward that goal. “We’ve made commitments that we’re all going to be working together regardless of outcome,” Scudder said.
The election of Scudder as the new chairman of the Texas Democratic Party marks a new era for the party. With his experience as a political consultant and his commitment to building a strong and unified party, Scudder is well-positioned to lead the party to victory in future elections.
The Texas Democratic Party has faced significant challenges in recent years, including disappointing losses in the 2024 election. However, with Scudder at the helm, the party is poised to regain its momentum and start winning statewide elections again. Scudder’s focus on building a strong grassroots organization and promoting a unified message will be key to the party’s success.
In addition to his work as chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, Scudder has also been involved in various other political and community activities. He has worked as a consultant for several Democratic candidates and has been involved in various community organizations. His experience and commitment to the Democratic Party make him an ideal candidate to lead the party to victory.
The future of the Texas Democratic Party looks bright with Scudder as its new chairman. With his leadership and vision, the party is poised to regain its momentum and start winning statewide elections again. Scudder’s commitment to building a strong and unified party will be key to the party’s success, and his experience and dedication make him the ideal candidate to lead the party to victory.
In conclusion, the election of Kendall Scudder as the new chairman of the Texas Democratic Party marks a new era for the party. With his experience, commitment, and vision, Scudder is well-positioned to lead the party to victory in future elections. The party’s focus on building a strong grassroots organization and promoting a unified message will be key to its success, and Scudder is the ideal candidate to lead the party to victory.
Conclusion
The Texas Democratic Party has a new leader, and with him, a new era of hope and possibility. Kendall Scudder’s election as chairman marks a turning point for the party, and his commitment to building a strong and unified party will be key to its success. As the party moves forward, it will be important to remember the lessons of the past and to focus on the future. With Scudder at the helm, the Texas Democratic Party is poised to regain its momentum and start winning statewide elections again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the new chairman of the Texas Democratic Party?
A: Kendall Scudder is the new chairman of the Texas Democratic Party. He was elected by the party’s executive committee and will serve out the remainder of the term, which ends in 2026.
Q: What are Scudder’s priorities as chairman?
A: Scudder has stated that his priorities as chairman will be to build a strong and unified party, promote a unified message, and focus on grassroots activity and fundraising to boost candidates up and down the ballot.
Q: What challenges does the Texas Democratic Party face?
A: The Texas Democratic Party faces significant challenges, including disappointing losses in recent elections and a strong Republican presence in the state. However, with Scudder’s leadership and vision, the party is poised to regain its momentum and start winning statewide elections again.
Q: How can I get involved with the Texas Democratic Party?
A: There are many ways to get involved with the Texas Democratic Party, including volunteering, donating, and attending local events. You can also contact your local party organization to learn more about how to get involved.
