Welcome to 2026. We may have slid in sideways and dusty - maybe not in one piece. But we're here. We're showing up. We're fighting back. If you haven't joined that fight - well.... It's. Time.

Primary Elections are right around the corner, and now is THE TIME to get informed, get prepared, and get involved.
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If elections feel confusing, you’re not alone—so let’s start at the very beginning.

In Texas, a Primary Election is the step that happens before the big election you hear about in November. Instead of choosing between different political parties, the Primary is when voters help decide who each party will put forward as their final candidate. Think of it as narrowing down the options.

Texas has what’s called an open Primary. That simply means you don’t sign up as a Democrat or Republican ahead of time. When you go vote in the Primary, you choose which party’s ballot you want to vote on that day. That choice is only for that election—it does not lock you into a party or follow you in the future.

My mom used to love to tell us kids, "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit."

Picture being invited into the kitchen while dinner plans are being discussed. You REALLY want spaghetti. But when you’re asked what sounds good—you stay silent. Then when dinner gets served, you're aghast to see a plate of meatloaf, carrots, and salad on the table.

The thing is - you didn’t say anything. So you can’t really be too shocked when something you didn’t want ends up on your plate (especially orange carrots...)

Primary elections are the moment to speak up. If you don’t participate, you still live with the outcome.

This is why primaries matter so much. Fewer people tend to vote in them, which means each vote has more influence. Participating in a primary election is one of the most effective ways to create change. If we want leaders who reflect our values, priorities, and communities, this is where that process begins.

Whether this is your first time voting in a primary or you’ve done it many times before, a little preparation goes a long way. We encourage everyone to visit our VOTE page, where you can:

• Check your voter registration status
• Begin the application to register to vote
• Learn about the candidates and the offices on the ballot
• ​Make a plan for when, where, and how you’ll vote

Voting isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about participating.

When more people take part early, our elections better reflect the people they’re meant to serve. Let’s show up, get informed, and use this opportunity to make our voices heard.

​Your voice matters—especially in the primary. Let’s use it.

In solidarity,
​The VCDP Team

If it feels like things have been busy lately… it’s because they have been. But honestly? We’re grateful. Grateful for the work, the energy, and—most importantly—the people who continue to show up. More than ever, folks care deeply about who represents them at every level of government, from city seats to Congress. The era of assuming “politics will sort itself out” is fading, and a new era of everyday engagement is taking its place.
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And that’s exactly where VCDP has been planting its time and energy.

October brought a full slate of activity, community, and collaboration.

• NO KINGS II Rally — Saying NO to Overreach
VCDP hosted our second NO KINGS rally, lifting a clear message: we refuse to accept government overreach. We’re incredibly proud of the hundreds who attended, raised their voices, and exercised their constitutional right to protest. Huge credit goes to our Activism Committee and every one of the speakers who helped make the event powerful and unifying.

​• Supporting Our Neighbors: The Blue Wave Builds
We also joined efforts beyond our county lines—Rockport held a Community BBQ and Bay City hosted a candidate meet-and-greet. It’s inspiring to see momentum grow regionally, not just locally.

There’s a well-known psychological concept called bystander syndrome—the idea that the more people who witness a problem, the less likely anyone is to take action. Everyone assumes someone else will step up.

But here’s the thing: change has never come from the assumption that “someone else” will take care of it.

It comes from people like you choosing, in small and big ways, to do something—to show up at a meeting, register a voter, share information, volunteer, donate, or yes… even run for office.

Every action matters.
Every voice counts.
Every step forward builds the future we deserve.

​So as we head into this next chapter, remember:
Don’t wait. Don’t assume. Don’t stand by.
Do something. And together, we’ll create the change our community is asking for.

-In Solidarity,
​The VCDP Team

We all know the world feels chaotic right now—headlines overwhelm, challenges pile up, and it’s easy to feel powerless. But if there’s one truth we hold onto, it’s this: hope is found in action. When we step up together, even in small ways, we create the change our community and our democracy need. And let's be honest, democracy is not a spectator sport.

The 2026 Midterm Elections may feel far away, but we know that progress starts now. Almost every elected official that represents us in Victoria, in the Texas legislature, and at the Federal level - is up for challenge in 2026. We are fully committed to Turn Texas Blue 2026!
Every. Single. Step that we take—big or small—builds momentum toward the change we want to see. 
We may be early to the game, but we're just warming up:

• Candidate Connections – We welcomed James Talarico and Tanya Lloyd for meet and greet events with our community. These conversations are critical in giving people the chance to hear directly from candidates who are committed to progress. As the filing deadline approaches, we’re excited to continue bringing strong voices to our area.
• Voter Registrar Training – The VCDP hosted a group voter registrar training event. By training new voter registrars, we’ve empowered community members to be resources in their own circles. Because sometimes, change begins with just a simple conversation. And now when a neighbor, coworker, or friend needs to register, we’ll be ready to help—and that one act can ripple into dozens more. Every new registrar means more voices empowered at the ballot box.
• Community Booths & Outreach – It was a busy month as we were out in the community, hitting the streets (literally) at Keep Victoria Beautiful's Fall Sweep, and talking with the people at National Voter Registration Day, Friendship Fest, and National Night Out. We value every opportunity and see it as a chance to make connections, and perhaps more importantly, ensure neighbors know their voices matter.

These might seem like small actions, but together they create the kind of momentum that wins elections, strengthens our democracy, and turns the tide away from the chaos.

The work we do today sets the stage for victories tomorrow. Our challenge to you is simple: Do SOMETHING. There are opportunities both big and small, for introverts and extroverts alike, for actionables now or for later. What matters is YOU-- 

• Volunteer for a booth.
• Become a voter registrar.
• Donate to a cause or a candidate.
• Bring a friend to the next meeting.

Every act matters. Together, they add up to big change.

In solidarity,
-The VCDP Team