About

After years of having an unofficial progressive caucus at the Texas Democratic Convention, leaders from around Texas came together to form an official caucus.

We are an independent homegrown, grassroots organization focused on building and enhancing the Texas Democratic Party. We do this by building diverse coalitions, passing strategic enhancements, and helping new progressive leaders join the Democratic Party of Texas.

No one organization founded the TXPC. Instead, we were founded by a coalition of progressive organizations and leaders from across Texas.

Our Mission

Ideology without power helps no one. If we want to pass policies to help everyday working Texans, we must build & take power in state, federal, & local government. We can only do this with a strong Democratic Party. Therefore, our mission is to build and strengthen the Texas Democratic Party and other Party organizations to the fullest extent possible. To quote former TX Ag Commission Jim Hightower, "We're not just here to protest the government, we're here to become the government."

Our Movement

The TXPC is a part of a national movement to return New Deal politics to all levels of the Democratic Party. The TXPC does not do this work alone. See our Partners page (coming soon!) and Progressive Caucus Explainer page to learn more.

Our Strategic Goals

Elect progressives for State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Organize the SDEC/DNC to pass rules and resolutions to make the party more accessible, grassroots, & powerful.
Work with allies to fill in county chair and precinct chair vacancies.
Assist progressive grassroots leaders in entering the Democratic Party.

Executive Committee (24-27)

Angel Viator Smith

Angel Smith is the Chair of the Texas Progressive Caucus and serves as TXPC's representative on the State Democratic Executive Committee.Originally a theatre nerd with a mind for technology and political science, Smith has worked in the arts, IT, higher education, and the tabletop games industry. She has spent over a decade championing the importance of the inclusion and representation of underrepresented populations. In addition to holding a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate, she has completed LGBTQ+ Ally training as well as training in best practices to support first generation/low income college students and international students/scholars. Smith is laser-focused on organizing through community building by bringing people together to exchange ideas for a better, more equitable future.

Wesley Lawrence

Wesley Lawrence is the Treasurer of the TXPC, a proud El Paso native and a lifelong advocate for justice, equality, and progress. As an LGBTQIA+ community member and President of the Stonewall Democrats of El Paso, he has been a consistent voice for working families. Wesley represents Congressional District 23 on the State Democratic Executive Committee and is a two-time candidate for El Paso City Council in District 4.

Trish Contreras

Trish Contreras is the Secretary of the TXPC, former President of Indivisible Austin, a Precinct Chair in Guadalupe Co for CD 35, and a grassroots organizer whose multifaceted approach to civic engagement encompasses various strategies, from voter education & mobilization to policy advocacy & coalition-building.

JT Beebe

JT Beebe is a Quality Assurance Tester with a fervent dedication to social justice. With over a decade of involvement in PC and mobile game development, JT has honed a sharp eye for detail in his work. Beyond the gaming realm, JT serves as the Social Media Director and Advisory Board member of the Southwest Democrats.