By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
The Collin County Democratic Party gathered Thursday evening in downtown Plano for DEFY: A Wicked Night for Democracy, an event celebrating what organizers called “defiant joy” and collective purpose ahead of the 2026 elections. The evening brought together local officials, candidates, and community members for a mix of social connection and political resolve.
“You know how important it is to connect with each other and to know that we’re not alone — that our blue dot in this county is growing and growing and growing,” said Mary Higbe, chair of Blue Tie Events and interim vice chair of the Collin County Democratic Party. “It’s because of all of us.”
Organizers said the goal was to unite Democrats across the county and build early momentum for what they expect to be one of Texas’ most competitive election cycles.
‘It Demands Our Voice, Our Time, and Our Commitment’
Party Chair Jeremy Sutka opened the program with a message of persistence and civic engagement.
“Look around the room — feel the energy here,” Sutka said. “It’s the energy of people who see what’s happening in our state and our country and have said, ‘Enough.’ We are living in a time that demands more from us than just our vote every two years. It demands our voice, our time, and our unwavering commitment.”
He added, “We are going to be outspent, but that doesn’t mean we won’t outwork them. If we outwork them, we will win.”
Local and State Candidates Share the Stage
Michael Baumgartner, speaking on behalf of Texas House District 66 candidate Sandeep Srivastava, emphasized affordability and education funding.
“We are running this campaign to fix a broken property-tax system, to lower home and auto insurance rates because they are sky high, and to fully fund public education,” Baumgartner said. “It is time to end the sludge of partisan politics in Austin and to have real discussion.”
State judicial candidate Judge Holly Taylor, running for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, reflected on lessons from her legal career.
“In my career, I’ve been instrumental in putting innocent people in prison — three of them that I know now,” Taylor said. “I didn’t intend to, but I’ve learned how our criminal-justice system can fail us.”
She said Texas needs judges “with the courage to be fair, to look at the facts, to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law,” warning that “our courts are under attack, and that’s why these seats matter in 2026.”
Rep. Mihaela Plesa Calls for ‘Agitation’ and Action
State Rep. Mihaela Plesa (HD-70, Plano) urged attendees to challenge gerrymandering and voter complacency.
“I have the proud honor of representing House District 70 — where you are all standing tonight,” Plesa said. “Republicans have been gerrymandering Collin County since the 1960s. That’s why we have to push back, stand up, and win.”
Recalling how she was once labeled an agitator, Plesa embraced the term. “You know what really gets the grime out? It’s the agitators,” she said to applause. “I’m ready to agitate all the way to November 2026 — and I’m ready to bring Collin County Democrats with me.”
She ended with a call to action: “Find a candidate, donate your time, donate your treasure — and together we will get our rights back.”
Evan Hunt Highlights Campaign Momentum
Evan Hunt, Democratic candidate for Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, followed Plesa with an update on campaign growth.
“It’s the honor of my life to be introduced by Representative Plesa,” Hunt said. “I absolutely intend to follow those yellow heels and that yellow brick road she paved.”
Hunt reported raising $190,000 in five months from more than 2,000 contributors and recruiting 91 volunteers. “They made this district 3.4 percent more red,” he said. “Are we going to let 3.4 points scare us? No — we’re going to show up.”
He described his platform as focused on “the kitchen-table issues that matter most”: tax reform, healthcare, immigration, and schools — expanding to include tariffs, housing, and support for seniors.
“There are no kings in Texas’ Third District,” Hunt said. “We will not settle for anything less than liberty and justice for all.”
He also thanked volunteers and community partners who support voter outreach and donation drives. “It’s not just about taking people’s time or money — it’s about giving back,” he said, citing partnerships with food pantries and shelters.
Looking Ahead
Sutka closed by reminding attendees that Democrats from Texas helped lead landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, Social Security, and Medicare.
“Those came from Texas Democrats,” he said. “We are rebirthing this party — out of Collin County, out of Texas — and we will lead the rest of the country the right way.”
Among those attending was Joe Jaworski, Democratic candidate for Texas Attorney General, who praised the event’s turnout and its broader message.
“Collin County is a key battleground county in the 2026 elections, and it is great news for Texas that we’re seeing robust Democratic turnout at events like tonight’s gathering one year out from the midterms,” Jaworski said. “I applaud the Collin County Democratic Party for doing the early work necessary to elect Democrats into local and statewide office next year.”
The next countywide event, “Revelry and Rebirth,” honoring Ann Richards and Eddie Bernice Johnson, is scheduled for January 24, 2026, at the Cotton Mill in McKinney.
Editor’s note: TX3DNews covers major political and civic events from all parties across Collin County and Texas’ 3rd Congressional District as part of its community election reporting. Coverage does not imply endorsement. TX3DNews is independently operated and not affiliated with any political party or campaign. Candidates and organizations are welcome to invite our team to future events by emailing staff@tx3dnews.com.