Texas Democratic Party Executive Director Will Hailer
State Sen. Wendy Davis announced today that she’ll make an announcement about her political future — and a possible governor run — on Oct. 3.
The Fort Worth native and LGBT ally was the talk of the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas meeting Tuesday.
The Texas Democratic Party’s new Executive Director Will Hailer addressed the group and hinted that Davis will run for governor.
Hailer moved to Texas from Minnesota in May and since his arrival the party’s staff has increased from four to 21. He said he expects to double that as the 2014 election approaches.
His experience includes the election that saw the defeat of an anti-marriage amendment in Minnesota by 10 points that led to the state becoming a marriage-equality state within six months.
In his first few months at the helm of the party, Hailer said he’s traveled around the state visiting Democratic clubs.
“People are fired up,” he said.
His strategy to take a statewide office for the first time in 20 years is to do what Democrats did in Minnesota.
“Have neighbors talking to neighbors,” he said.
And talk about the issues. He said Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a statewide Lilly Ledbetter bill. He wants to talk about equal pay for women.
He wants Democrats to talk about healthcare, affordable education, clear air and clean water.
“Talk about our values,” he said. “We can’t let Republicans bully us anymore. We believe in equality and the right to marry who you love.”
He said Texas is not a Red State but a non-voting state and is planning massive voter-registration and voter-turnout drives.
Hailer described the ticket he’d like to see on the 2014 statewide ballot.
“I think we need a woman from Fort Worth,” he said, but then stopped short. “I’m not making an announcement.”
But he said an announcement would come shortly, and it seems it will.
This morning, Davis sent out an email to supporters.
There’s one question I’ve gotten quite often in the past few months. I’ve heard it online, while I’m traveling around the state, from the media, and in my Fort Worth neighborhood: What’s next? On October 3rd, I’ll be answering that question. And as part of my dedicated network of grassroots supporters, you will be among the very first to find out.
So look for her announcement on Oct. 3. And just an observation: No one does this type of build up to announce they’re not running.
