Buttigieg Rallies Texas Democrats in Tarrant County Push

DALLAS

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg delivered the keynote address at the Texas Democratic Party's 12th Annual Johnson-Jordan Dinner on Saturday in Grapevine, bringing together Democratic leaders, elected officials, candidates, and activists from across the state.

The dinner's timing underscores Democratic strategy heading into 2026. The event took place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a deliberate choice that reflects Tarrant County's emergence as a key battleground. Once reliably Republican, the county has swung sharply Democratic in recent cycles—nearly eight percent of all Texas Democrats live there.

Taylor Rehmet's victory in Texas Senate District 9 last January marked the most significant Democratic gain in Tarrant County in years. Party leaders view the county as essential to expanding Democratic power across Texas.

Kendall Scudder, chair of the Texas Democratic Party, said the event gave Democrats across the state a chance to unite and organize for the upcoming election cycle.

Buttigieg's appearance came as new polling showed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in his weakest political position in nearly three decades, with seven weeks until Election Day.

DALLAS

Kendall Scudder, chair of the Texas Democratic Party, said the event gave Democrats across the state a chance to unite and organize for the upcoming election cycle.

Buttigieg's appearance came as new polling showed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in his weakest political position in nearly three decades, with seven weeks until Election Day.