Texas Democratic Party Announces Lineup for State Convention Opening Night
State and National Democratic leaders, plus all the Democratic statewide nominees, will headline Friday night’s General Session.
DALLAS/FORT WORTH – Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who became a national voice for democracy and voting rights after being expelled from the Tennessee House for participating in a protest following the 2023 Nashville school shooting, will join the 2026 Texas Democratic Convention as a special guest speaker on Friday, June 26.
“Rep. Pearson’s leadership has inspired people across the country and reminds us that progress requires the willingness to speak out, organize, and fight for our communities. We are honored to welcome him to Texas," said Kendall Scudder, Chair of the Texas Democratic Party.
The evening program will begin with previously announced keynote speaker U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and conclude with Texas Democrats' statewide nominees sharing their vision for moving Texas forward and winning up and down the ballot in 2026.
The session will conclude with remarks from Democratic nominees: James Talarico for U.S. Senate; Gina Hinojosa for Governor; Vikki Goodwin for Lieutenant Governor; Nathan Johnson for Attorney General; Sarah Eckhardt for Comptroller; Jon Rosenthal for Railroad Commissioner; Ben Flores for Land Commissioner; Clayton Tucker for Agriculture Commissioner; Maggie Ellis for Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court; and Holly Taylor for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Other speakers joining the Friday night lineup include:
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez - CD 34
State Sen. Royce West - SD 23
State Sen. Chuy Hinojosa - SD 20
State Rep. Nicole Collier - HD 95
State Rep. Gene Wu - HD 137
State Rep. John Bucy - HD 136
State Rep. Mihaela Plesa - HD 70
County Commissioner Rodney Ellis - Harris County
County Commissioner Lesley Briones - Harris County
County Commissioner Dexter McCory - Ft. Bend County
Sheriff Javier Salazar - Bexar County
City Councilwoman Crystal Chism - DeSoto
SBOE Candidate Thomas Ray Garcia - District 2
The Texas Democratic Convention, taking place June 25–27, in Corpus Christi, is expected to bring together more than 6,000 delegates, candidates, volunteers, elected officials, activists, and guests from across the state.
Members of the media are encouraged to apply for credentials and view additional details, including the full schedule, at the official convention website: texasdemocraticconvention.com
About the Texas Democratic Party
Founded in 1846, Texas Democrats continue the march toward re-building a state that acts upon its beliefs - fair wages, affordable housing, universal childcare, a right to accessible and affordable healthcare, and safe communities. A fair shot for all - that’s what drove our Texas forefathers to build this great state, and that is what drives us today. A belief that no matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from, or who you love - if you work hard in Texas, you can make it. Texas Democrats have never shied away from big, bold ideas. From Lyndon B. Johnson to Henry B. Gonzalez to Barbara Jordan to Ann Richards and today’s Democratic champions, Texas Democrats will fight to uphold the landmark programs, policies, and institutions that make Texas work for all Texans. For more information go to: https://www.texasdemocrats.org
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