Political Shift in Lubbock: Democratic Women Mobilize Amidst Political Challenges
Morgan Kirkpatrick, a longtime resident of Lubbock and a candidate for the State Board of Education, was visibly weary after a long day of campaigning. Alongside fellow Democratic candidates, she canvassed neighborhoods before joining volunteers at Mahon Library to write postcards to voters. Lacking a chair, Kirkpatrick sat on the floor, driven by a determination to challenge the Republican stronghold in the South Plains.
“It’s hard because the Democratic Party doesn’t have the infrastructure here like the Republican Party does,” expressed Kirkpatrick, 39. “Democrats here have always felt like we had to be quiet. But if we were a little louder, people would understand this is a battleground that’s up for grabs.”
Despite long-held hopes for a Democratic surge in this conservative region, significant political changes have yet to materialize. In prior elections, Republican candidates consistently captured the majority of votes in Lubbock County. In 2016, Donald Trump garnered 66% of the vote against Hillary Clinton, and similar trends followed in subsequent elections.
However, driven by issues such as abortion rights and inspired by Vice President Kamala Harris’s nomination, Democratic women in Lubbock are more hopeful this year. “I feel like Harris has given us reason to envision a win,” Kirkpatrick asserted.
Since President Joe Biden stepped aside, allowing Harris to become the Democratic nominee, enthusiasm among Democratic women has surged. A KFF survey indicates increased satisfaction among women voters regarding the election nominees.
Harris’s candidacy has particularly resonated with women in Texas. According to a University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs survey, Harris narrowed Trump’s lead over Biden, trailing by only 5 percentage points.
Brigid Krizek, president of the Texas Democratic Women of the South Plains, noted, “Women have been second-class citizens for so long, particularly here.”
Harris’s campaign has been innovative, leveraging social media and endorsements from influential figures like Taylor Swift and Megan Thee Stallion to engage with voters. Her appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast further amplified her reach.
While there is a strong push for Harris, not all women support her candidacy. Previous female candidates, such as Nikki Haley and Hillary Clinton, faced challenges in securing the female vote. Pop star Chappell Roan, for instance, criticized the Democratic Party’s stance on certain issues.
On the Republican side, Terisa Clark from the Lubbock Area Republican Women emphasized that local Republican women prioritize issues like border security over Harris’s policies. “It’s an absolute no-go on her border policies,” Clark stated.
Lubbock’s Democratic women remain hopeful, focusing on issues such as abortion and education. The city’s anti-abortion ordinances, which include a travel ban for abortion seekers, have sparked debate, with legal experts questioning their enforceability.
As polls show a growing number of Texans view state abortion laws as too strict, Republicans have distanced themselves from the issue. This includes U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who avoided a clear stance during a recent debate.
Kim Gonzalez, a Democratic Party organizer in Lubbock, finds inspiration in Harris and Kirkpatrick’s campaigns. “Kamala has shown she’s the most experienced candidate we’ve ever had, and she also happens to be a woman,” Gonzalez remarked.
Despite Clark’s skepticism about changing political tides in Lubbock, voter registration has increased notably, suggesting heightened political engagement. Democrats argue that this surge reflects dissatisfaction with far-right policies.
Abortion remains a pivotal issue for voters, especially with local ordinances like those in Amarillo proposing travel bans for abortion seekers. This legislation has faced criticism for potentially dividing communities.
Lindsay London of the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance observed, “There is so much more that unites us than divides us,” emphasizing a shared commitment to reproductive rights.
Kirkpatrick continues her campaign, highlighting education as a key issue alongside abortion. She contests incumbent Aaron Kinsey, who ran unopposed in 2022, and emphasizes the importance of public education amidst debates over private school vouchers.
Recent events in Lubbock, including a Planned Parenthood fundraiser and visits from prominent Democrats, indicate a growing progressive movement. “We’re all feeling it, and we’re ready to fight back,” Gonzalez affirmed.
This story was originally published by the Texas Tribune
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