🏛️ Leadership & Party Structure
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The State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) governs the Texas Democratic Party. It comprises representatives from each of the state’s 38 congressional districts and party executive officers elected or appointed at state conventions.
The executive team under Scudder includes:
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Vice Chair: Shay Wyrick Cathey
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Vice Chair for Finance: Kolby Duhon
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Treasurer: Odus Evbagharu
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Secretary: Lee Forbes
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Sergeant‑at‑Arms: Donna Beth McCormick
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Parliamentarians: Deana Tollerton and George Nassar
🔥 Current Strategy: Blocking GOP Redistricting
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In early August 2025, over 50 Democratic state legislators fled Texas, heading to states like Illinois, New York, and California, to block a quorum in the House of Representatives. Their aim: prevent a vote on a Republican‑backed congressional map that could create up to five new GOP‑leaning districts.
Democrats accused Gov. Greg Abbott and former President Trump of orchestrating an undemocratic power grab. Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton vowed legal repercussions, fines, and potential removal from office for absent legislators. Democrats countered, branding the map redrawing as racially biased and voter suppression.
To mitigate financial penalties ($500/day fines for quorum-breaking), the party launched fundraising efforts. Legal complexities remain, especially concerning donations for travel expenses during the protest.
🌐 Notable Figures
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U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX‑30, Dallas): Former state legislator and progressive voice, serving as the freshman class representative in the House Democratic leadership.
Joe Moody (TX House District 78): Appointed Speaker Pro Tempore in February 2025.
Julie Johnson (TX‑32, Garland area): Became Texas’s first openly lesbian member of Congress in 2025.
Veronica Escobar (TX‑16, El Paso): Previously co-chaired the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.
🔍 Why It Matters
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The redistricting fight in Texas is part of a larger national battle: control of the U.S. House could hinge on how congressional lines are drawn in key states like Texas. Democrats need just two more swing seats to reclaim the majority.
With official attention from figures like Beto O’Rourke, Joaquin Castro, and James Talarico, and involvement from civil rights organizations, Texas Democrats are positioning the redistricting vote as a high-stakes issue of racial justice and electoral fairness.
🏛️ Leadership & Party Structure
-
The State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) governs the Texas Democratic Party. It comprises representatives from each of the state’s 38 congressional districts and party executive officers elected or appointed at state conventions.
Kendall Scudder was elected party chair in March 2025, succeeding Gilberto Hinojosa after his 13-year tenure. Scudder, previously the finance chair, secured 65 of 121 votes and pledged to rebuild Democratic competitiveness across Texas.
The executive team under Scudder includes:
-
Vice Chair: Shay Wyrick Cathey
-
Vice Chair for Finance: Kolby Duhon
-
Treasurer: Odus Evbagharu
-
Secretary: Lee Forbes
-
Sergeant‑at‑Arms: Donna Beth McCormick
-
Parliamentarians: Deana Tollerton and George Nassar
🔥 Current Strategy: Blocking GOP Redistricting
-
In early August 2025, over 50 Democratic state legislators fled Texas, heading to states like Illinois, New York, and California, to block a quorum in the House of Representatives. Their aim: prevent a vote on a Republican‑backed congressional map that could create up to five new GOP‑leaning districts.
Democrats accused Gov. Greg Abbott and former President Trump of orchestrating an undemocratic power grab. Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton vowed legal repercussions, fines, and potential removal from office for absent legislators. Democrats countered, branding the map redrawing as racially biased and voter suppression.
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