CHICAGO — Texas delegates have descended upon the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and some tell Spectrum News they are feeling re-energized now that President Joe Biden has passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. 

What You Need To Know

  • San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said on social media the Lone Star State’s delegation was “fired up” Monday morning at their breakfast on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago

  • Some Texas Democrats told Spectrum News they are feeling re-energized now that President Joe Biden has passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris

  • Some Texas Democrats hope Harris touches on lowering prescription drug prices, housing costs and protecting abortion rights

  • A number of Texans are expected to speak from the convention stage this week, including women who faced life-threatening pregnancies and were affected by Texas’ abortion restrictions

“He will be made, I am sure, a great president for just that act alone in history,” Rep. Al Green, D-Houston, told Spectrum News.  

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said on social media the Lone Star State’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention was “fired up” Monday morning at their breakfast in Chicago.

Biden was the keynote speaker on the first day of the convention, and he made a case for his vice president. We asked Texas Democrats how the energy has changed now that Harris is at the top of the ticket.

“They’re mobilizing, and they’re organizing. I can’t tell you how many invitations I’ve gotten to join calls — Women for Kamala Harris, Latinas for Kamala Harris, Lawyers for Kamala Harris. I mean, truly, people are excited, and we’re thrilled to be here, for all eyes on Chicago this week,” said Vanessa Fuentes, Austin City Council member for District 2.  

“We’re experiencing ‘08 with Obama all over again. People are excited. The enthusiasm is so high. It’s difficult to even measure it. It’s palpable. It’s something that you can almost see and taste and feel. People want to see this movement go forward. They now understand that another generation is moving into the spotlight,” Green said.  

Harris is speaking on Thursday. Some Texas Democrats hope she touches on lowering prescription drug prices, housing costs and protecting abortion rights. 

“I want to just hear her say that this is a new day, that she is for the people, and do it with the continued joy that she’s been bringing to this process,” Green said. 

They understand that it has been decades since a Democratic presidential candidate won Texas. 

“Democrats are moving the needle. We are getting closer and closer, and with Kamala Harris to the top of the ticket, with the energy behind her, I truly believe we’re going to make some significant inroads for Democrats in Texas,” Fuentes said. 

A number of Texans are expected to speak from the convention stage this week, including women who faced life-threatening pregnancies and were affected by Texas’ abortion restrictions. Several elected officials, such as Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and Rep. Veronica Escobar of El Paso, who serves as Harris’ campaign co-chair, will also make an appearance.