Democrats’ greatest strengths are our diversity; our inclusion; and our passion. Together they create a powerful weapon that that can overcome the terrible threats to our very existence as a free and open society. But these are also the qualities that work against us if we are unyielding in those passions and unwilling to find common ground. The democrat upon democrat verbal violence of 2016 cost us dearly. We found our unity in 2018 but it wasn’t always easy and it wasn’t always universal. We must hold together even if that means compromise. Yes, I know that compromise is a dirty word for many activists – but in politics as in life and business it’s often the only path to accomplishment. Without compromise, we fail.
What’s more I would say to every leader, candidate and volunteer – what you say and how you say it reflects on your cause and your campaign. If you are qualified, authentic and righteous then lead through your merits – not by poisoning the well. Welcome your competition with a handshake and conversation and always treat one another in a way that will allow them to support you should you win. You have more in common than you have differences and we need every single one of you to beat the real bad in 2020. Without cooperation, we fail. Furthermore, I want to make it perfectly clear that regardless of who we may su
pport individually, at Katy Area Democrats there is always an open door and platform for all authentic, democratic candidates. You will always be treated with respect and friendship. That goes for all activists, groups, members, staffers and generally anyone who is a democrat working for the common good. The only ask is that you act with respect and that you’re authentic – as in not false.
In other words, a candidate that has a real resume and speaks the truth about themselves and others will always have a home at Katy Dems. Authenticity is literally the only qualifier for a seat at the table. What you do with that seat is entirely up to you and your support will hinge largely on how you express yourself, your platform and how you treat others. Without respect and authenticity, we fail.
It’s going to be an exciting 18 months. Katy is the intersection of three congressional races – 7, 10 and 22 and two critical house races HD28 and HD132. These races will be heavily supported by the DCCC and the TDP. To date we have two candidates for CD22, Sri Preston Kulkarni who almost won last year and helped flip Fort Bend county seats to blue with more than 1500 diverse and dedicated volunteers; and Nyanza Moore, a smart and capable political commentator and attorney from Pearland. CD10 also has two announced candidates, the former civil rights attorney, Mike Siegel, who closed the CD10 gap to just 3 points in 2018 and an Austin progressive, Pritesh Gandhi, an associate professor. So far no one is challenging Dr. Eliz Markowitz, candidate for HD28 who already has a huge following in Katy and Fulshear; but I don’t expect that to last. For races that touch Katy in 2020, we also have had announcements from Eric Fagan for Fort Bend County Sheriff, Mo Nehad for Precinct 3 Constable, Surendran Pattel for Judge Ft. Bend District court 505, Sonia Rash for Fort Bend County Attorney – all running unopposed – for now. And I know there are many more to come!
As we move through the year the field for 2020 will become more crowded not less and our choices will have plenty of time to gel. It’s an unusually long cycle this year with literally zero break from 2018 to now. As a result, in some races we may have already selected who we’re supporting based on history, friendships, confidence and accomplishments. But that doesn’t mean we can’t welcome the competition and remain unified. Without unity, we fail. Please – let’s not fail.
With respect and admiration
Deb Roseman, President Katy Area Democrats
