2025 Rural Texas

Virtual Summit

An Event for Rural Texans. Organized by Rural Texans.

June 13-14, 2025 • Bastrop, TX

Texas Voices for Change

Now, more than ever, it is important for rural communities to unite, organize, and build a strong coalition. The purpose of this summit is to unite rural Texans and organizations to address the critical issues facing our communities so that together, we can create action plans for rural Texans and a grassroots movement to build a stronger rural Texas.

Building a
Stronger Rural
Texas

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Virtual Summit Videos

2025 Speakers

Will Westmoreland

Keynote Address Speaker.

Farmer, political consultant, and advocate for rural America.

Westmoreland comes from a long line of farmers and ranchers dating back to the 1700s. He specializes in rural voter outreach and is known on social media as “Your Favorite Rural Campaign and Elections Expert", as well as a podcast known as the Back Forty.

In addition to his farming expertise, he has worked extensively in political strategy, specializing in rural voter outreach. He has a YouTube channel where he shares insights on farming, rural politics, and sustainability. Westmoreland currently works with Democratic organizations and candidates, labor organizations, and non-profits with voter outreach in nearly every state in the union. Highlander Political Strategies notably played a critical role in the 2020 special elections in Georgia, which led to the control of the United States Senate.

Jim Hightower

Texas Agriculture Commissioner from 1983 to 1991. Known for his fiery populist voice and advocacy for progressive causes, Hightower has spent decades championing the rights of working families, small farmers, and everyday citizens.

He promotes organic farming, alternative crops, and direct marketing for small producers. Beyond politics, he is a national radio commentator, public speaker, and New York Times best-selling author. His books include There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos and Thieves in High Places.

Senator Sarah Eckhart

Representing Texas SD14 which serves Austin and Travis County, Eckhart serves her community in several ways including Board memberships with the Texas Freedom Network, Clean Air Coalition, Travis County Bail Bond and Juvenile Boards. She is also the CEO of the Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

Kendall Scudder

Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party. A native Texan and graduate of Sam Houston State University, he has been active in Democratic politics, previously serving as the party’s Vice Chair for Finance. He has emphasized the importance of reconnecting with grassroots organizers and voters and has pledged to work hard for rural Texans.

Bill Oliver

Folk musician and environmental educator based in Austin, Texas. Known as “Mr. Habitat,” Oliver writes and performs eco-themed songs that inspire audiences of all ages. With his Otter Space Band, he brings fun and awareness to environmental issues through music and community events.

Nancy Thompson

Founder of Mothers Against Greg Abbott, a nationally recognized grassroots movement mobilizing Texas moms and voters to defend public education, reproductive freedom, and Democracy.

Libby Villari as Ann Richards

Libby Villari is an acclaimed actress known for her powerful portrayal of Texas Governor Ann Richards in the one-woman play Ann. Since 2017, she has toured the U.S., earning praise for capturing Richards’ wit, strength, and humanity with energy and emotional depth.

Boots On The Ground

Engage, Empower, Elevate: Building Civic Power

LaShun Roy, East Texas political strategist and community organizer

The "New Chapter" of the Texas Democratic Party

Katy Schmader, organizing director, Texas Democratic Party

Panel Discussions

From Grassroots to Growth.
The 134 PAC's Journey in Rural Texas

Panelists: Jon Mark Hogg, Carla Porter, Guy Stuart, Steve Bridges

A candid conversation about how a small group of rural Texans launched the 134 PAC to uplift often-overlooked rural communities east and west of I-35. The discussion covers their vision for regional hubs and coalition-building in areas. More importantly, how the PAC is laying the groundwork for lasting progress—because in rural Texas, we’re stronger together.

Women Running for Office in Texas

Moderator: Laura Jones

Panelists: Theresa Boisseau, Tanya Lloyd, Terris Goodwin, Maggie Ellis

This panel features women who have run for various offices in rural Texas sharing their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. We hope to inspire more women to run for office while highlighting the unique obstacles and opportunities for female candidates in rural communities.

Bridging Urban & Rural Relations

Moderator: Thierry Tchenko

Panelists: John Busey, Carl Jones, Pooja Sethi, Ramon Rodriguez Aranda

This panel unites urban, suburban, and rural Democratic voices to address misconceptions and build bridges between these often-disconnected communities. Our goal is to foster mutual understanding and collaboration rather than blame, helping urban Democrats appreciate rural challenges while developing strategies for unified messaging across Texas.

The Impact of Vouchers on Rural Schools

Moderator: Nancy Thompson

Panelists: Zeph Capo, Tracy Fisher

Examine the impact of voucher programs on public education in rural Texas. It will be a powerful conversation on how underfunding public education is threatening the future of rural Texas. Dive into the latest legislative battles, voucher fight, and what communities can do to push back and protect public schools. We aim to develop actionable strategies to protect rural public education while countering harmful policies that disproportionately affect small-town school districts.

Agriculture & Advocacy: Fighting for Rural Futures

Moderator: Judith McGeary

Panelists: Clayton Tucker, Carolina Mueller, Mike Oldham

Explore agricultural issues including farming, organic practices, ranching, and water conservation and water management experts. We hope to demonstrate that Democrats can effectively advocate for agricultural communities while developing messaging that resonates with rural voters whose livelihoods depend on these industries resulting in more Farmers voting for Democrats.

Talking with Your Rural Neighbors

Moderator: Woodrow Wilson Wagner

Panelists: Will Westmoreland, Jon Mark Hogg

Brings progressive, conservative, and moderate voices together to demonstrate effective communication across political divides in rural Texas. We aim to equip attendees with practical strategies for explaining to conservative neighbors why voting Republican may not serve their best interests.

Being a Democrat in Rural Office

Moderator: Thierry Tchenko

Panelists: Kendric Jones

Elected officials share candid conversations about their experiences running and holding office in predominantly conservative rural areas. We aim to highlight both the challenges and successes of representation in rural politics while providing inspiration and practical advice for future candidates.