Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke will speak from noon to 1 p.m. April 23 at Maven’s Inn & Grill, 10530 FM 2673, Startzville/Cayon Lake.
Comal County Democrats hope the campaign stop will chip away at the county’s reputation as a Republican stronghold.
On Wednesday, O’Rourke announced plans for a People of Texas Town Hall-Comal County.
Democrat Jason Gillett, Precinct 105 chair, said many wrongly believe Republicans enjoy a “monolithic” hold on county voters.
“While the GOP certainly has a history of winning elections here, many rational human beings find that continuing to support the Republican Party is becoming an increasingly difficult task,” he said in an email to MyCanyonLake.com. “Additionally, the amazing growth we are experiencing is bringing in younger and more liberally minded residents all the time.”
Gillett said area liberals and progressives are gearing up for elections by reaching out and meeting each other. Many are learning they aren’t nearly as isolated as they once thought.
O’Rourke will face off against two-term incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott for the Nov. 8 election. He describes his upcoming visit as an attempt to reach students across the state.
“Join Beto as he brings students, families, and members of the community together for public town halls about a positive, popular, and unifying vision for great jobs, world-class schools, and affordable health care,” according to a post on O’Rouke’s campaign website.
“This unprecedented early investment in student organizing, engagement and voter registration follows Beto’s historic increase in young voter turnout during his record-breaking Senate campaign,” the website said.
Gillett said O’Rourke’s energy heralds a “great awakening and there is a fantastic energy in the air.”
Kim Farlow with Democrats of Comal County invited O’Rourke to speak.
Gillett said the event will allow voters to see O’Rourke up close “and judge for themselves who he is and if his message resonates with them.”
“Beto as governor will revive the best of our state, make us proud to be Texans once again — the envy of nation — as it should be,” Gillett said.
