New state organizing chair Katy Schmader calls on precinct chairs to embrace role as community change-makers in 2025
When Katy Schmader stood up before a packed Wilco Dems meeting in April, her presence alone signaled a new direction for the Texas Democratic Party. As new state Organizing Director, Katy is the first in her position to start the job before June of an election year.
“The clock is ticking,” she said, stressing the urgency to build relationships with voters in the off-season. With so many Texans who aren’t MAGA, but don’t have time to keep up on news and may not have voted, “we’re hitting 30 to 40 percent of the doors we need to in Texas.”
In remarks peppered with bracing truths, she challenged local precinct chairs to make change in our communities: “Each precinct chair is responsible for 5,000 voters.” “You are elected officials.” “Be a Democrat who shows up for our neighbors.” “Knock on doors to ask people how they’re doing.” “Take a risk this year.”
Through a stark but engaging Q&A, Katy shared her vision of a state party where every precinct chair is equipped to build the kind of neighbor-to-neighbor relationships that grow trust and change minds.
“This is hard,” she said, recognizing that it’s time-consuming to change the mind of someone who has been fed right-wing propaganda. “They’re winning on fear right now.” As easy as it is to get overwhelmed by all the news and real-life damage being done, Katy said she asks herself, “what can I control?” Each time, her answer came back to showing up, building trust and “doing what Democrats do.”
“We are not just waiting for elected officials to come and save us.” she said. “If we’re not showing our neighbors what it looks like to be a Democrat, who will?”
CALL TO ACTION: Keep an eye out for a Save the Date notice for this summer, when TDP State Organizing Director Kathy Schmader will bring Precinct Chair training to Williamson County. This is for both elected and potential Democratic precinct chairs. We will have more info soon!