“Texas Democrats believe democratic government exists to achieve as a community, state, and nation what we cannot achieve as individuals; and that it must serve all its people.”

Platform | Rules & Bylaws

PREAMBLE

Texas Democrats believe the need for a well-functioning government that acts based on facts and evidence to preserve the life, health, and well-being of every person has never been more clear than now. The interdependence of every Texan on the actions of every other Texan challenges us to give of ourselves so that none of us fall. Together, we will overhaul the social contract and establish a new economic engine that allows all residents to thrive.

REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY

Texas Democrats believe government exists to achieve together what we cannot achieve as individuals and that government must serve all people. A representative democracy is only truly representative if every single citizen is guaranteed the inalienable right to vote in fair and open elections.

EQUALITY & FREEDOM

Texas Democrats believe in equal opportunities and freedom for all human beings no matter a person’s race, disability, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic or immigration status.

SMART GOVERNMENT

Texas Democrats believe in a fair criminal justice system serving all people; robust public and higher education opportunities are critical for our future; and our economy must benefit all Texans.

A HEALTHY TEXAS

Texas Democrats believe healthcare is a right; women’s rights are human rights; we owe future generations a clean and healthy planet; and a strong social safety net creates opportunity for all Americans.

 
 

Principles of the Texas Democratic Party

Texas Democrats believe democratic government exists to achieve as a community, state, and nation what we cannot achieve as individuals; and that it must serve all its people.

We believe every Texan has inalienable rights that even a majority may not take away:

  • The right to vote and fair representation in the democratic process;

  • The right to quality public education;

  • The right to affordable healthcare and best safety practices in the face of contagion;

  • The right to due process, unbiased and fair justice;

  • The right to a clean and healthy planet; and

  • The right to privacy.

We believe in freedom:

  • From government interference in our private lives and personal decisions where they do not harm another;

  • From discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other improper grounds;

  • To exercise civil and human rights; and

  • Of religion and individual conscience.

We believe in responsibility and that:

  • Religion and individual conscience can never serve to excuse hatred and discrimination;

  • People are responsible for their actions;

  • We, who have benefited so greatly from our state and country, have a responsibility to support and give back to all our communities and public institutions; and

  • Corporations are not people and should not be used to shield individuals from accountability for their actions.

We believe in equal rights:

  • Which are guaranteed in Sections 3 and 3a of the Texas Bill of Rights; and

  • That no state may deny any person equal protection of the laws or due process under the law as guaranteed in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

We believe in equal opportunity:

  • To receive a quality public education, from childhood through college;

  • To find a good job that pays a living wage;

  • To buy or rent a good home in a safe community;

  • To breathe clean air and drink clean water;

  • For people with disabilities to access governmental proceedings, agencies, and other services; and

  • To have our voices heard and not be drowned out by the power of unlimited money to influence or buy elections and legislation.

We believe a growing economy should benefit all Texans and that:

  • The people who work in a business are as important as those who invest in it;

  • Every worker should be paid a living wage of at least $15 an hour;

  • Good business offers a fair deal for customers;

  • Regulation of unfair practices and rates is necessary;

  • The burden of taxes should be fairly distributed; and

  • Government policy should not favor corporations that seek offshore tax shelters, exploit workers, or pollute our environment.

We believe that our lives, homes, communities and country are made secure:

  • By working together to secure one another’s health and safety, recognizing our interdependence and interconnectedness, and leaving no one behind;

  • By appropriately staffed, trained, and equipped military, law enforcement, and emergency services;

  • By retirement and pension security;

  • By responsible gun ownership;

  • By encouraging job security when possible and providing appropriate assistance and re-training when it is not;

  • By the preservation of our precious natural resources and quality of life;

  • By ensuring that families have easy access to nourishing food that they can afford;

  • By compassionate policy that offers a safety net for those most vulnerable and in need; and

  • By family values that are promoted through policies that value all our families.

We believe in a harassment-free environment, and that we must strive to:

  • Dismantle sexism in our own behaviors and the behavior of those around us;

  • Not tolerate, condone, or ignore sexual harassment of any kind from anyone;

  • Take action to prevent and create reporting mechanisms for sexual harassment and create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, including Democratic candidates, elected officials, staff, consultants, volunteers, and interns;

  • Take all reports of sexual harassment seriously;

  • Educate ourselves and others about sexual harassment; and

  • To be free from disability discrimination and retaliation.

We believe America is:

  • Made stronger by the people who put their lives on the line when it is necessary to engage our military to secure our nation; and

  • Made more secure by competent diplomatic leadership that uses the moral, ethical, and economic assets of a powerful, free nation to avoid unnecessary military conflict.

We believe Texas is:

  • Made stronger by the individual strengths of our diverse population;

  • Ripe with opportunities provided by agriculture, “old” and “new” energy sources, renowned medical or research institutions and high-tech industries;

  • Inspired to create from our strengths and diversity a new economic foundation that takes care of everyone; and

  • Entitled to an honest, ethical state government that serves the public interest, not the special financial interests of those who “pay to play.”

Read the full Texas Democratic Party Platform.