Damn Good Advice for current Texas Democratic Politicians

Let’s Talk About Leadership.

I haven’t written in a while. Not because I ran out of things to say. I was working myself to the bone before the Primary. And after the Primary, I did something radical in politics: I rested. Revolutionary concept, highly recommend.

But quiet does not mean idle.

This week marks my 14th week of hosting Weekly Democratic Strategy meetings for candidates and county chairs. I wrote a 129-page Texas Democratic Playbook on Messaging. Built a 170+ member Signal group focused on strategy. I created ad scripts, endorsements, and webinars. and worked on plans.

In other words, I’ve been busy building the plane while we’re flying it… and also apparently fixing the engine midair.

And all of that work got me thinking.

I’ve spent a lot of time giving advice to people running for office. But what about the people who already won? Buckle up! I adore you all but we got to win elections!

Dear Elected Democrats: This Is Your Friendly (Not That Friendly) Reminder

Texas does not need more people waiting for permission to lead. We need people who actually… lead.

And I’m going to say this as plainly as possible: Some of y’all are hesitating. Waiting. Deferring. Checking the donor temperature like it’s bathwater for a baby.

Meanwhile, voters are out here living in the actual boiling pot.

I’ve watched leaders delay good decisions because of money. Then, when the money finally shows up, they run straight back to the same big DC agencies that overpromised, underdelivered, and left them politically ghosted.

At this point, it’s less strategy and more political Stockholm Syndrome.

And for those of us watching it happen in real time while being told “this is the plan,” it’s… exhausting.

So let’s fix it.

Here’s the Advice (Yes, I Mean You)

1. Stop Waiting. Start Leading.

You were elected. Not hired as a background character.

No one is coming to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Now is your moment.”
This is your moment. Act like it.

2. Adopt a Candidate

Mentor someone new.

They need your experience. You need their energy.
Also, let’s be honest, they probably understand TikTok better than you, so this is mutually beneficial.

3. Get on Message (And Stay There)

If we’re going to win, we need consistency.

That means talking about:

• The economy (because people like paying their bills)

• Healthcare (because people like staying alive)

• Education (because we’re not raising a generation of confused voters… ideally)

• Data centers (yes, really, follow the money and the water)

• And most importantly: a strong, unapologetic populist message about billionaires running the show

If your messaging doesn’t connect to real life, voters will disconnect from you.

4. Fix Your Website. I Beg You.

Update your messaging. Add a Linktree. Make sure your donate button works.

Nothing says “I’m NOT ready to lead Texas” like a broken link and a homepage from 2018.

5. Work Your District Like You Actually Want to Win It

Even if you don’t have a Republican opponent. This election is about turnout. That means:

• Showing up

• Talking to voters

• Asking for votes (wild concept, I know)

• Asking for volunteers

Not just smiling for photos and calling it a day.

6. Lead by Example (Yes, That Includes Money)

Become a sustaining member of your local and state Democratic Party.

If you’re not investing in the infrastructure, why should anyone else?

7. Support Grassroots (They’ve Been Carrying This Whole Thing Anyway)

Grassroots groups are doing the work. Respect it. Fund it. Show up for it.

Not just when there’s a camera. And if anyone wants to be a donor to Mothers Against Greg Abbott, I would really appreciate it.

8. Social Media Is Not Optional

You don’t get to opt out of the internet and still expect to win elections in 2026.

Post your message. Share your events. Talk like a human being. And please, for the love of democracy, stop sounding like a press release and yes posting your press releases in tiny print on social media is super irritating.

9. You Don’t Know Everything

I say this with love: you don’t.

Neither do I. That’s why I built a 170-person strategy group.

Pick something you don’t understand and learn it. Or find someone who does and listen. Growth is not a weakness. It’s the job.

10. Basic Competence Is Still Important

Check your website renewal dates.
Put your email on your site.
Make sure it actually works.

We are not losing elections because voters are too informed. Let’s not make it harder for them to reach you.

Final Thought (The Part Where I Get Slightly Inspirational, Against My Better Judgment)

Texas is not unwinnable. But it is unforgiving to hesitation.

Voters don’t need perfect leaders. They need present ones. Clear ones. Courageous ones.

Right now, too many people are playing defense, waiting for the “right time.”

There is no right time. There is only now.

So lead.

Yours in Resistance,

Nancy Thompson