The Texas legislature is in session, and Republicans hold the keys. What can Democrats and progressives do? Getting involved in advocacy work is an important step, but we can also fight back at the local level by electing candidates who will stand up for our rights and values on their local city councils and school boards. In 2023, Blue Horizon is supporting progressive candidates running for local races such as city and town councils, school boards, and municipal utility districts, in rural, exurban, and traditionally red areas of Texas. At the same time, we are building a bench of candidates ready to run for county and state legislative offices in 2024.
Our 2022 wins were exactly in these kinds of hyper local races, where a small investment, and a small boost in turnout, can lead to big wins.
In the Community
Last month, Blue Horizon Co-Founders spoke to the Democratic Women of Comal County about how they can elevate their local candidates.
While we were there, we ran into Blue Horizon candidate Bently Paiz, who's running for New Braunfels City Council District 5. Bently talked about his plans improve infrastructure, protect the environment, and decriminalize marijuana possession, while being a steward of ethics and good governance for the city.
May 2023 Municipal and School Board Races
Filing has closed for May municipal and school board races, and Blue Horizon is starting to build our new cohort of candidates for this short election cycle.
We're supporting city council candidates from Carrollton to Temple to New Braunfels and school board candidates in Plano, San Marcos, and Rockport.
Do you know someone running for local office in a rural, exurban, or traditionally conservative area? Someone looking to stand up for decency, inclusion, democratic values, and good governance? Send them our way. We want to help. Not running for office but want to volunteer to support these candidates? Join our Volunteer Network.
November and Beyond
If you’ve ever considered running for office but weren't ready to take that step for May, not to worry. There are local races across the state this November, and we're working hard to get ready for 2024.
If you’ve ever considered running for office but weren't ready to take that step for May, not to worry. There are local races across the state this November, and we're working hard to get ready for 2024. Blue Horizon is here to help with essential information on filing for office correctly, campaign finance reporting, campaigning in rural and exurban districts, policy issues that resonate to voters in these districts, and more. Through our PAC, we also provide endorsements, social media and fundraising support, and GOTV programs. Please complete our Candidate Intake Survey to join our online Candidate Community, where you can network with other progressive candidates across the state and gain access to campaign training and information resources.
In 2022, there were no Democrats on the ballot in more than half of Texas counties and dozens of state legislative races. This year, we're building a bench of talented and prepared leaders ready to run for state and local office in 2023, 2024, and beyond.
Blue Horizon 2022 Annual Report
Our 2022 Annual Report is now available. Download it today for an overview of how, in our inaugural year, Blue Horizon Texas has grown into a successful, multi-entity enterprise with a growing reputation among Democratic and progressive groups across the state.
What do we DO? Community Workshops
Blue Horizon is now offering "What do we DO?" Community Workshops to help community leaders, activists, and others identify tangible ways they can make a difference in achieving progressive change in Texas. Blue Horizon knows that sustainable, transformative changes requires investment in civic education and community organizing in under-represented and under-served communities across the state, including in rural and exurban areas.
Our workshops are available upon request in-person for small groups. A schedule of online offerings will be available soon. Sign up to schedule or attend an upcoming workshop.