Local Democrats Stay Hot on Campaign Trail

By Mark Archibald

Temperatures are not the only thing rising in Texas. The only commodity that may be higher are the hopes of Texas Democrats who believe this may be the year that the Lonestar State might turn purple.

Last Saturday, Navarro County residents came out to hear from Democratic candidates who are looking to do something in Texas for the first time in more than 30 years.

Win a statewide office.

“There is a lot to be excited about,” said Terry Garner, Chairman of the Navarro County Democrats, and President of the Navarro County Open Door Democrats Club.

The Open-Door Democrats hosted Saturday’s ice cream social. The public was invited to beat the heat and hear from candidates at the Open-Door Democrats Office in Corsicana.

Candidates for State Senate District 2, State House District 8, and United States Congressman for Texas’s Sixth District each made remarks and took questions from attendees.

Keenen Colbert said that he is running because no one else stepped up to challenge State Senator Bob Hall.

Colbert, a formerly active Marine, said he is focused on being available and accountable to everyone in Senate District 2 which includes all of Kaufman, Navarro Rockwall and Van Zandt Counties as well as portions of Collin Dallas and Ellis Counties.

“My calenderer is stacked with events. I am willing to go everywhere to talk about the things that matter to them and earn their trust. I am appreciative of those who are curious about politics,” he said.

Colbert’s optimism is not without merit. Democrats have consistently turned out in large numbers overperforming past results in several districts during the 2026 primary season. Those results include areas once thought to be solidly Republican.

The non-partisan Cook Political Report’s recently moved the race for the United States Senate Seat in Texas to the Toss Up column.

“This is not hope, Garner said. “We have good candidates up and down the ballot who are talking about the issues affecting Texans.

Danny Minton, a former Republican, who continues to work in healthcare, said he is running for United States Congress in the Sixth District, because he feels that Congressman Jake Ellzey has forgotten about the people in the district.

I am focused on reducing the cost of healthcare and protecting public education, as well as the right to vote.

“I want everyone to know they have a voice that will not be drowned out by special interests,’ he said.

Jeff Chavez who is running for House District 8, said his priority is education. I was inspired to run when Representative Harris walked out of an education town hall held in Palestine in early 2025.

Chavez said he will use his voice for constituents and fight against data centers which are taking over rural Texas.

President of the Open-Door Democrats Terry Garner said the event was very successful.

We had candidates out and meeting people. Democrats Independents and some Republicans are excited for November. Together we will see changes in Texas, he said.

The Open-Door Democrats also donated to each candidate Saturday.

“The contribution raised by our Political Action Committee can add to your voter outreach efforts,” said Garner.

About Author

navcochron

See author's posts