CORPUS CHRISTI — U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders concluded the Texas Democratic Convention on Saturday with a powerful speech criticizing oligarchy, encapsulating two days of state Democrats condemning Republican leadership and corporate influences that they argue are making life increasingly difficult for working-class Texans.
Sanders’ address primarily addressed national issues, pledging to hold President Donald Trump accountable, impose taxes on the ultra-wealthy, and eliminate the influence of money in politics. His message resonated with the crowd, drawing enthusiastic applause that mirrored themes articulated by state Democrats throughout the weekend.
“You are building a strong grassroots movement,” Sanders declared as he received a standing ovation upon taking the stage. “And you are winning.”
With the midterm elections approaching, leading Republican figures utilized Sanders’ scheduled speech to associate Texas Democrats with his democratic socialist identity, a label they claim is too extreme for the state’s electorate.
Billboards along highways leading to the Coastal Bend, funded by Governor Greg Abbott’s campaign, paired Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico with Sanders, accompanied by the caption, “You want socialism? Good luck with that.” Just weeks before the convention, Abbott remarked that Sanders’ keynote address epitomized the current Democratic Party.
However, during the convention, it became evident that Democrats are banking on the appeal of Sanders’ populist message — addressing pressing issues like the high cost of living and healthcare — to connect with voters, rather than allowing Republicans to paint them as radicals.
Throughout speeches, caucus meetings, and discussions, Democratic representatives and candidates criticized Republican leaders for prioritizing the interests of wealthy donors and corporate executives over the urgent needs of Texans. They frequently labeled state leaders as corrupt.
“We’ve lost our way because of a corrupt political system where corporate actors and lobbyists have unlimited money to influence politicians — in both parties,” stated Rep. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, during her speech, which was met with cheers. “The outcome is that global corporate power has expanded at the expense of working Texans’ opportunities.”
Party officials are striving to bolster Democratic optimism, leveraging President Trump’s low approval ratings amidst an unpopular conflict with Iran, a stringent immigration policy, and a struggling economy.
They are also energized by Talarico, hoping that his fundraising skills and popularity, combined with perceived vulnerabilities in his opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, can end the Democrats’ 32-year losing streak in statewide elections in Texas.
Every mention of Talarico from speakers on the main stage was met with exuberant applause, similarly to Sanders’ reception.
Prior to the event, Democrats had already dismissed GOP criticisms regarding Sanders’ participation. Some emphasized the senator’s popularity among Latino voters, a significant demographic in Texas after Trump garnered 55% of their votes in the state in 2024.
Trump’s gains were notably strong in border counties, which have experienced a surge in illegal crossings during the Biden administration.
In the Rio Grande Valley, which comprises four of those counties, residents have been let down by unfulfilled economic promises, according to Julio Salinas, a 26-year-old former legislative staffer running for Texas House District 41. Salinas, who received Sanders’ endorsement in his primary, aims to address that discontent, asserting that many of Sanders’ policy proposals would cater to the region’s anticipated needs in the coming decade, such as investments in transportation and water infrastructure.
“Across the Rio Grande Valley and all across Texas as a whole, we’ve been talking about affordability,” Salinas noted. “The cost of living is far too high.”
Nonetheless, Republicans are also addressing similar concerns, arguing that voters should keep them in power to maintain Texas’ prosperity while continuing to label Democrats as out of touch.
During many speeches, Democrats asserted that it is the Republicans who fail to grasp Texans’ realities.
The crowd reacted negatively when Rep. Jon Rosenthal of Houston, running for Railroad Commission, mentioned his opponent Bo French, a former Tarrant County GOP chair and culture war advocate criticized even by fellow Republicans for controversial remarks.
Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas, a candidate for attorney general, criticized Tim Dunn, a West Texas oil billionaire and right-wing megadonor supporting French and other candidates pushing the Legislature further right. Johnson also called out Jeff Yass, a school voucher proponent who made a historic $6 million donation to Abbott’s campaign.
The Legislature’s recent establishment of a private school voucher program has drawn significant criticism from Democrats, who have vowed to overturn it.
Meanwhile, Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin accused Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of accepting a $3 million bribe, referencing contributions from a group partly led by Dunn, which opposed Paxton’s impeachment. This group provided Patrick with a $1 million contribution and a $2 million loan prior to the Texas Senate trial he presided over.
In an interview, Johnson expressed that the Republicans’ messaging has lost its effectiveness, noting that financial backing can only support candidates to a certain extent. He is poised to face Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston in November, who outspent his opponent over $16 million of his own money during the primary.
Johnson expressed optimism drawn from special elections, city council contests, and school board races, noting a trend of moderate voters supporting Democrats.
“I’m not being completely petty here, only just a little bit petty — I think the Republican slate is remarkably cartoonishly weak,” Johnson commented, adding that his opponent and other GOP candidates are closely aligning themselves with Trump. “It’s going to fall flat.”
