McLennan County Democrats host March for Democracy Forum ahead of November Elections

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - This afternoon hundreds gathered in Waco for the McLennan County Democratic Party’s March for Democracy Forum.

This is the groups first time doing this event, McLennan County Democratic Party chair Mark Hays sharing that the idea for this forum came from recent events.

“We’ve had this very unique coalition of groups that have been working together since January very closely,” Hays explained, “I wanted to showcase that before we got too far into the campaign season”.

Inviting groups like Texas Democratic Women of Central Texas, Baylor Democrats, Centex Action Network, and more to speak to local democrats, and in turn show them ways they can help support their party.

“The government of McLennan County, Texas and the U.S. exists to help the ordinary person, and we need a government that does that and we need to come together and insist that we have that kind of government,” Hays said.

Today’s keynote speaker was Texas State Representative James Talarico, who’s also a candidate for the U.S. Senate race in 2026.

He says the focus of his address today and his campaign is putting power back in the hands of the working class.

“I hope that folks in Waco, regardless of their political affiliations, will join this effort so we can lower costs, we can tackle corruption, and we can have a government that’s worthy of communities like Waco,” Representative Talarico shared.

In response to today’s forum Chris DeCluitt, the chair of the McLennan County Republican Party, says Texas has been a red state for a long time and they’ll fight to keep it that way.

“The voting patterns of this state are conservative… so we’re gonna fight every tooth and nail to make sure Texas stays republican, and we’re gonna have two republican senators,” DeCluitt said.

But regardless of where you stand, both parties encourage everyone to vote in the upcoming November 4th election, which will include local propositions and state constitutional amendments.

“Whether you agree with amendment three or disagree with amendment four, the idea is to get out and vote and use your voice,” DeCluitt shared.

Hays adding, “don’t sit at home being sad or angry, get out and do something about it”.

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