By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews.com
On a mild evening in Collin County, TX3DNews attended the Boots on the Ground event with an open mind—and what we found was a conversation, not a confrontation. The gathering wasn’t about buzzwords or political theatrics. Instead, speakers focused on public service, shared values, and the long-term work of building trust in a rapidly evolving district. The message was clear: lasting change—whatever your politics—takes consistency, heart, and a willingness to listen.
What unfolded was less about party lines and more about shared concerns—and the growing sense that this community may be approaching a political turning point.
Organized by local Democrats, the evening was opened by Mary Higbe, Signature Events Chair for the Collin County Democratic Party. She welcomed attendees, emphasized the importance of the moment, and set the tone for what became a thoughtful, forward-looking night.
Higbe then introduced Jeremy Sutka, Chair of the Collin County Democratic Party, who laid out why this fast-growing district has become critical to the future of state and national elections. With over 750,000 registered voters—and an estimated 100,000 more expected by 2028—Sutka noted that Collin County is now the sixth-largest in Texas and the 37th-largest in the country.
“This is where the change happens,” Sutka said. “But we can’t take it for granted. One-third of our voters opted out of 2024. That’s not apathy—that’s opportunity.”
He also noted that Collin County is currently the largest county in the U.S. that has yet to turn blue, underscoring the national significance of voter trends here.
Sutka spotlighted a unifying cause: helping the Allen High School Band attend the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. He urged community members to support the band and help ensure that every student can attend—regardless of financial situation.
Next came a major announcement from Sandeep Srivastava, who previously ran twice for Congress in TX-03. Srivastava announced that he will not seek the congressional seat again, but will instead shift his focus to the Texas Legislature, launching a campaign to challenge State Rep. Matt Shaheen in HD-66.
“This is not a step back—it’s a step deeper into the fight,” Srivastava said. “Our future is being decided in Austin, and I want to fight for public education, reproductive rights, property taxes, and insurance costs—right where it counts.”
Srivastava’s remarks concluded with an endorsement of Evan Hunt, whom he introduced as the next Democratic candidate for Congress in TX-03.
Following that endorsement, Evan Hunt took the stage and delivered what was arguably the most personal and wide-ranging speech of the night. A U.S. Air Force combat veteran and business executive, Hunt walked the crowd through his journey—from witnessing the 9/11 attacks as a college student to flying combat missions, briefing generals and lawmakers, and eventually transitioning into the business world.
His theme was consistent throughout: service before self.
“Government jobs aren’t meant to be about self-interest,” Hunt said. “They’re meant to be about service—to your community, your constituents, and your country.”
Hunt spoke candidly about the need to reclaim widely held values—strong public schools, due process, fair economic opportunity—and to approach disillusioned voters not with judgment, but with open arms.
“We must be welcoming and forgiving—a shelter for the oppressed, the abandoned, the hunted, the marginalized, and those who finally realized they were wrong to support MAGA.”
Rather than striking a partisan tone, Hunt framed his remarks around unity, emphasizing that turning TX-03 blue won’t be easy—but it will require kindness, clarity, and courage.
“We can’t afford to look anti-American,” he added. “We need to take our flag back, drape ourselves in it—just like the civil rights movement did—because we are the real patriots.”
The night closed on a note of civic urgency rather than campaign hype. Speakers urged attendees to organize early, build coalitions, and support candidates who are preparing now—not just for the next election, but for a more functional future.
“I’m here to serve you,” Hunt said in his final remarks. “And I’m ready to fight for our country. I hope you’ll fight with me.”
Images Courtesy of Evan Hunt. Photo by Adeline Merrick / Merrick Multimedia
Editor’s Note:
TX3DNews.com is an independent local news outlet covering politics, business, and community developments across Texas’ 3rd Congressional District. We do not endorse candidates. We actively invite Republican, Democratic, and independent candidates to submit events, profiles, or statements for fair and factual coverage. Contact us at staff@tx3dnews.com.