Rachel Barrios-Van Os, Candidate for State Party Chair: Today is a new day.
Today is a new day. On Tuesday evening we cheered on our fellow Democrats who came in with the most votes and we also comforted those who did not bring in the winning numbers. In the end, we must all come together because we are true patriots and we all want the same things in life which includes a fair and just government. Democracy is about fairness, prosperity, inclusiveness and equality -
We believe in an open democracy and we know that ultimately we must be a party of inclusion to win again. In our Primary contests we are patriots, not enemies. We run our campaigns with heart, passion and determination, but we also know that whoever the victor is, that we should all come together for the sake of a bigger victory in November. In the various Primary run-off elections, may the best man or woman win. After these Primary and run-off elections are complete, we have to let bygones be bygones and move onward and forward to winning in November.
Thank you to each and every one of you who stepped up to the plate in this recent Primary election and thank you for putting your lives on hold for the bigger dream of a stronger and true democracy. I know that it takes a lot of personal, business and family time to dedicate yourself to an election campaign for the office of government in which you believe that you can better serve; but once the dust of our Primary has cleared, we as a Party must come together to rebuild and reorganize to be prepared for the General Elections in November against our real opponents.
When I'm elected as your next State Chair, I will recommend to the SDEC and County Chairs that we organize and network with each and every Democratic primary and general election candidate, both those who won and those who didn’t win, and also with any other interested candidates who want to start preparing to win. I will encourage, not discourage candidates from running.
We will nurture, embrace and promote these candidates to be prepared in advance for the next future election. We will plan our elections a year and a half in advance, not just 3-6 months in advance of a primary. We will build our candidate pool in order to ensure that we leave no open or free-ride elections to the Republicans. We must challenge every Republican in every seat both small and large--No Republican is too big for us. They think they are giants but we must challenge them all with belief, confidence, values and knock them out. We must strategize and be better prepared with a tactical plan of action to ensure victory for all.
I will encourage all citizens to be involved in the political process, will welcome new ideas from all Democrats, and will not turn anyone away.
When you elect me as your next State Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, I promise I will fight with my heart and soul to bring victory back to the people with a government that truly represents the people.
My election campaign is moving forward in the race for State Chair and I promise to you that I will whole-heartedly serve and represent each and every Democratic candidate for each and every elected position. I promise to serve and represent each and every Democrat in Texas.
Fight with me to return Texas to the proud Democratic State that it is meant to be. We are the Lone Star State and we are proud Texans who want a fair chance to say Texas belongs to all the people, not just the chosen few and not just the wealthy. This is my state and this is my Party, I want my state to shine again and I want us all to win again.
That dream will come true if you join me in this fight for a true and real democracy.
I look forward to seeing you all at the Texas Democratic Party State Convention next week.
Let's come together to start winning again. It's time to win!
P.S. Wear comfortable shoes.
In Unity,
Rachel