Texas Democratic Party Chairman Resigns After 'Devastating Defeats'

Gilberto Hinojosa, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Texas, says he will step down as party leader in Texas and hand over government to a younger generation.

The move comes after yet another election year in which Democrats failed to win statewide office in Texas or secure either of the state’s two seats in the U.S. Senate. Hinojosa’s decision also follows and an apology he made Wednesday night about recent comments about the party’s support for transgender rights.

During an interview with The Texas NewsroomAustin-based NPR radio station, Hinojosa, was asked if the party was considering abandoning support for protecting the rights of transgender people. Hinojosa said, “I think the Democratic Party needs to realize that there are some things we can support and some things we can’t support. And when pressure is put on us to organize these types of votes, we must be aware of the long-term consequences of these types of votes.”

On Wednesday evening, Hinojosa apologized to those he had hurt with his comments.

“I sincerely apologize to those I have hurt with my comments today. I recognize the pain and frustration my words have caused. Out of frustration with the Republican Party’s lies to stoke hatred for trans communities, I have not been able to convey my thoughts carefully and clearly. Hinojosa said on social media posts. “I am committed to fighting the rhetoric that has left transgender people in this country struggling with the fear of simply existing because of the hate spewed by Donald Trump and the Republicans in Texas. You deserve to feel seen, valued and safe in our state and our party. My unequivocal and unwavering support for LGBTQ+ Texans remains steadfast, and I am committed to ensuring that our party never lets you down, especially when you need us most.

In announcing his resignation, Hinjosa said voters inflicted “devastating defeats” on Democrats and sent a clear message that they want the party to focus on issues they consider most important.

“It is imperative that our Democratic leaders across the country reevaluate what is best for our party and embrace the next generation of leaders to guide us through the next four years of Trump and regain seats on the ballot,” said Hinojosa.

Thursday, the Texas-based political action committee said “Moms vs. Greg Abbott” demanded Hinojosa and Vice Chairman Shay Wyrick-Cathey resign and say the party needs people to knock on the door and not just show up for photos.

Hinojosa said Friday he will resign at the March 2025 meeting of the State Democratic Executive Committee and work with them to establish a selection process to appoint his successor.

Wyrick-Cathey said inside a statement published on Facebook on Friday morning that she has worked for the election of the Texas Democrats since the convention and has done what is expected of a vice chairman. She thanked Hinojosa for his service and commitment to the party and said she wants to be among those considered for the party chairmanship.

Hinojosa’s unedited statement is below.

“On Tuesday, the Democratic Party suffered devastating defeats in the elections in Texas and across the country. Voters have sent a clear message to our party and our country that they want our leaders to talk to them about the issues that matter most to them, including the economy. Democrats provided infrastructure funds to rebuild roads, bridges, ports and airports. Democrats have approved the most important climate investments in history. And while the Democrats have delivered one of the best economies our country has ever had, Americans just aren’t feeling it.

“In the days and weeks ahead, it is imperative that our Democratic leaders across the country reevaluate what is best for our party and embrace the next generation of leaders who will lead us through the next four years of Trump and win seats on and down will win back. the mood. That’s why today I’m announcing that in the new year I will step aside at the Spring SDEC meeting in March 2025, and pass the torch to the next generation. While this was a difficult decision, it is the best decision for our party, and I encourage our national leaders and party leaders at all levels to join me in lifting the next generation to unite our party in the fight against Donald Trump.

I hope that my successor will take on the task with the energy and creativity we need to build something new, but they will not start empty-handed. Over the past twelve years, the Democratic Party of Texas, working with countless allies, has put Texas on the battleground map and made significant progress in electing Democrats at every level. We have worked to modernize the party organization and have made progress in turning our great state blue. We have expanded and reskilled our organization, data, communications, voter protection and digital infrastructure to better reach and support voters. This has led to significant and lasting gains in our now Democratic-led major urban counties and cities, as well as in the outer rings of the suburbs – many of these leaders reflecting the African American, Asian and Latino communities that have long been underrepresented were in the world. our state. Texas is home to the second largest collection of voting Democrats in the country. We must continue progress to reach the millions of eligible Texans who decided not to vote in the 2024 election, as well as millions of potential young voters as they age into the electorate each cycle.

Looking ahead for our party, I will work with the state Democratic Party Executive Committee to establish a robust selection process for our next Texas Democratic Party Chairman. Texas Democrats will have the opportunity to hear directly from these candidates and the state’s Democratic Executive Committee will make a selection this spring.

I am grateful for the hundreds of professionals who cut their teeth in the Texas Democratic Party who now lead our movement at all levels, our dedicated elected Democratic leaders, the tens of thousands of volunteers and grassroots supporters who have poured their hearts into Democratic campaigns and progressive causes , and my precious family for their support and work to turn Texas blue. While I will no longer hold the title of Speaker, I will proudly hold that of Texas Democrat. I promise to always do everything in my power to bring about progress and a Blue Texas.”

According to his biography on a campaign website, Hinojosa was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and was the first in his family to graduate from college. He received his law degree from Georgetown University and practiced for the Migrant Legal Action Program. Throughout his career, he served as a school board trustee, district judge, appellate court judge and member of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. Hinojosa was subsequently elected Cameron County Judge, where he headed the county government for twelve years. In 2007, he was elected chairman of the Cameron County Democratic Party. A year later, he was elected to the Democratic National Committee and a year later was appointed to the Executive Committee, where he was reappointed by four successive party chairmen.