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The Rural Texas Summit Agenda: Voices for Change

Updated: 9 hours ago




Rural Texas Summit Event Overview


After the challenging election results of November, we in rural Texas faced a choice: quit or double down. We chose to double down by creating the Rural Texas Summit, a gathering designed to give rural Texans a voice and start crucial conversations about our future. Our mission is simple yet powerful: we're stronger together, and we must build coalitions across PACs, individuals, activists, and candidates to address the unique challenges facing rural Texas communities. Join us on June 13-14, 2025, at the Bastrop Convention Center for two days of networking, discussion, and actionable planning. Friday begins with registration at 8:30am, followed by a welcoming address at 9:30am that sets the tone for regional organizing. The day continues with engaging sessions on rural organization and coalition-building strategies, concluding with a valuable Q&A session. Friday evening features our fundraiser starting at 6pm, with distinguished speakers including Nancy Thompson of Mothers Against Greg Abbott, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder, and a special performance by Libby Villari as Ann Richards, followed by music from Suzanne Choffel. Saturday starts with opening remarks at 8:30am and offers a full day of thought-provoking discussions addressing the most pressing issues facing rural Texas, from community engagement and candidate support to education, agriculture, and the path forward for Democratic representation in our rural communities. A detailed agenda for both days is included below, outlining each session and speaker that will contribute to this important conversation. We'll conclude by outlining next steps for our coalition.


Don't miss this opportunity to be part of building a stronger rural Texas!


FRIDAY SUMMIT SCHEDULE

7:30am – 8:30am  Vendor Setup

8:30am Registration Opens

9:45 Welcome Address


10:30am – 11:30am From Grassroots to Growth: The 134 PAC's Journey in Rural Texas

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

Synopsis: Join us for 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. We'll explore how this grassroots effort has supported county parties through filing fee grants, billboard funding, and more. Panelists will share how the PAC has reinvested nearly every dollar back into rural organizing. We'll highlight real examples from the Rural Texas Summit and how collaboration with leaders like Kendall Scudder has shaped our strategy. The discussion will also cover our vision for regional hubs and why coalition-building is key in areas with few active members. Most importantly, we’ll talk about how the connections made here are laying the groundwork for lasting progress—because in rural Texas, we’re stronger together.



11:30am – 12:30pm Lunch


12:30pm - 1:00pm   LaShun Roy - Engage-Empower-Elevate: Building Civic Power

LaShun is a political strategist and community organizer from East Texas. She has led campaigns across the state, worked with organizations like Contest Every Race, MOVE Texas and the Texas Democratic Party, and advocates for civic engagement, racial justice, and gender equity in rural communities.


1:00pm – 2:00pm Texas Democratic Party County Chair and Precinct Chair Training

Training Leader: Katy Schmader, Organizing Director - Texas Democratic Party


2:00pm – 3:00pm Local Organizing and Rural Messaging Training


NOTE: Blue Horizon Texas - Flood the Zone with Candidates: Run for Everything

  • Candidate training all day Friday and Saturday in the Hospitality Room at the Bastrop Convention Center



FRIDAY EVENING 6:00pm-10:00pm FUNDRAISING BANQUET


6:00pm – 7:00pm Happy Hour with Jim Hightower and Bill Oliver


Jim Hightower

He served as Texas Agriculture Commissioner from 1983 to 1991, where he promoted organic farming, alternative crops, and direct marketing for small producers. Beyond politics, Hightower 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." He is 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.


Bill Oliver is a folk musician and environmental educator based in Austin, Texas. Known as “Mr. Habitat,” he 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.


7pm –10pm

MC/Chris Mosser is the Podcast Director at Progress Texas, where he hosts and produces progressive news and commentary. A longtime Austin broadcaster, he also supports Democratic events and organizations across Texas, using his media expertise to amplify progressive voices.


Kendall Scudder- Chair, Texas Democratic Party- Kendall Scudder is the Chair 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! 


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.


Suzanna Choffel – Singer / Songwriter

Known for her distinct voice and reggae-inspired guitar technique, Austin native Suzanna Choffel's music has been described as "a unique sound equal parts Beat poetry, smoky soul grooves and indie-pop eccentricity



SATURDAY SUMMIT SCHEDULE

7:00am – 8:30am Registration and Refreshments

8:30am – 8:45am  Welcome and Opening Remarks


8:45am – 9:30am  Keynote Address Speaker:

Will Westmoreland, Farmer and Political Consultant

Will Westmoreland is a farmer, political consultant, and advocate for rural America. He comes from a long line of farmers and ranchers dating back to the 1700s. 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. Westmoreland 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.


9:30am – 10;15am Panel Discussion: Women Running for Office in Texas

Moderator: Laura Jones

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

Synopsis: 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.


10:15am – 10:30am Break


10:30 – 11:15am Panel Discussion: Urban/Rural Relations

Moderator: Thierry Tchenko

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

Synopsis: 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.


11:15am – 11:45am Speaker: Sarah Eckhart

Senator Eckhart represents Texas SD14 which serves Austin and Travis County. She 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 the CEO of the Workforce Solutions Capital Area. 


11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch


12:45pm – 1:30pm Panel Discussion: The Impact of Vouchers on Rural Schools

Moderator: Nancy Thompson

Panelists: Zeph Capo, Tracy Fisher

Synopsis: This panel examines the impact of voucher programs on public education in rural Texas with experts including Tracy Fisher and Zeph Capo, President of the Texas Chapter of the Federation of Teachers. We aim to develop actionable strategies to protect rural public education while countering harmful policies that disproportionately affect small-town school districts.


1:30pm – 2:00pm Speaker: John Bucy, State Representative for Texas House District 136.

Represents southern Williamson County in the Texas House, including parts of Northwest Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Brushy Creek. Serves as Vice Chair of both the Subcommittee on Disease Prevention and Women’s and Children’s Health and the House Committee on Elections and sits on the Public Health and Local and Consent Calendars Committees. Chairs the Young Texans Legislative Caucus is Vice Chair of the Innovation & Technology Caucus and formerly served on CAPCOG. As past Chair of the Williamson County Democratic Party, helped elect nine local Democrats, including the first Democratic County Commissioner in 20 years.


2:00 pm – 2:45pm Panel Discussion: Agriculture and Why It Matters for Democrats

Moderator: Judith McGeary

Panelists: Clayton Tucker, Carolina Mueller, Mike Oldman

Synopsis: This panel explores agricultural issues including farming, organic practices, ranching, and water conservation with representatives from the Texas Farmers Union 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. 


2:45pm – 3:00pm Break


3:00pm – 3:45pm Panel Discussion: What it’s like to be an elected Democrat in Rural Texas

Moderator: Thierry Tchenko

Panelists: Kendric Jones, 

Synopsis: This panel features elected officials sharing 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.


3:45pm – 4:45pm Panel Discussion: Talking with Your Rural Neighbors

Moderator: Woodrow Wilson Wagner-- Former County Chair for the Democratic Party in Victoria Texas and a Political Science Professor at the University of Houston at Victoria.

Panelists:

Will Westmoreland, A seasoned Democratic political consultant and founder of Highlander Political Strategies, known for his expertise in rural voter outreach and decades of experience in campaign strategy and advocacy. Proud Missouri Farmer

Jon Mark Hogg, Co-Founder of the 134 PAC, San Angelo Attorney, prior candidate for US Congress, Democratic County Chair for Tom Green

Reagan Stone, Former Alpine Texas City Councilman and Advocacy Manager at Progress Texas a nonprofit media organization promoting progressive messages and actions.

Synopsis: This panel brings together progressive, conservative, and moderate voices 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.


4:45pm – 5:45pm Panel Discussion: The Way Forward, Call to Action and Q&A 

Presenters: Carla Porter, Steve Bridges, Guy Stuart, Ruth Todd

Synopsis: The Rural Texas Summit was created to foster dialogue with rural Voters on shared issues and to build a statewide coalition representing all rural Texans. The initiative, titled The Way Forward, will organize Texas into nine geographic regions to support this effort. The summit brings together like-minded individuals, organizations, PACs, activists, and candidates to address the challenges facing rural communities. It aims to revitalize Democratic organizing in overlooked areas and lay the foundation for long-term collaboration.


5:45pm Summit Adjourned


If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please follow these links


***Friday and Saturday is $25 (BUY FOR SUMMIT ONLY)


***Friday night Fundraiser is $55 (FUNDRAISER ONLY)


***There is a discount if you purchase both for $75

(BUY IF YOU PLAN ON ATTNEDING BOTH THE SUMMIT AND FUNDRAISER)


Thank you, we hope to see you in Bastrop!

 
 
 
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