This past weekend, Bastrop, Texas, became the heart of a movement—a movement to empower and uplift rural communities across our state. The first annual Rural Texas Summit 2025 brought together organizers, activists, elected officials, and everyday Texans to build power where it’s needed most.
Event Highlights
The summit kicked off with a celebration of rural leadership, featuring inspiring speeches from the Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder, Nancy Thompson the Founder of Mothers Against Greg Abbott, and a special performance by Libby Villari as Ann Richards. Jim Hightower hosted a Happy Hour, Bill Oliver “Mr. Habitat” joined in with some fun sing-a-longs songs to get the party started. Attendees enjoyed live music by Suzanna Choffel, a silent auction, and a catered Texas sized dinner, all while raising funds to support rural Democratic initiatives.
Saturday Summit Sessions: The following day was filled with engaging panels covering topics such as:
These discussions were led by passionate leaders and moderated by dedicated community members, fostering meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing rural Texans.
Senator Sarah Eckhardt delivered a powerful keynote, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action in shaping the future of rural Texas.
Will Westmoreland a farmer and political consultant—delivered a powerful message on how rural communities can move forward by building bridges through honest conversations, shared values, and grassroots organizing to ensure every rural voice is heard and respected.
Building Lasting Connections
Beyond the panels and speeches, the summit served as a platform for building lasting relationships. Attendees connected with like-minded individuals and organizations, sharing resources and strategies to strengthen Democratic efforts in rural areas. The event underscored the power of grassroots organizing and the importance of supporting local leaders who understand the unique needs of rural communities.
Looking Ahead
The summit concluded with a session titled “The Way Forward”, focusing on strategies for continued collaboration and empowerment.
The Rural Texas Summit 2025 was more than just an event—it was a call to action. It reminded us that when rural communities are connected and empowered, they can shape the future of Texas. The work doesn’t end with the summit; it’s just the beginning. As we move forward, let’s continue to support and uplift each other, ensuring that every voice in rural Texas is heard and valued.
As we reflect on the incredible momentum and the community, we witnessed at the Rural Texas Summit 2025, one thing is clear: when rural Texans come together, we are a force for change. This weekend reminded us that organizing in rural spaces isn’t just powerful — it’s essential.
If you believe in building a stronger, more connected, and more equitable future for Rural Texas, we would be honored to have your support. We appreciate every dollar, every share, and every show of solidarity. You can make a donation to support this work directly by following our ActBlue link: The 134 PAC — Donate via ActBlue
Thank you for standing with Rural Texas. Let’s keep building.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, vendors, all who attended, volunteered, and supported this initiative. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and more powerful Rural Texas.
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https://www.the134pac.org/
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Reflecting on the Rural Texas Summit 2025:
