ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – With several high-profile races drawing attention ahead of the 2026 election, Taylor County Democratic Party Chair Sammy Garcia said local issues could play an important role in shaping voter turnout across the Big Country.
Garcia said issues affecting residents’ everyday lives could impact races at the local, state and federal levels.
“But to me the difference is if you stick to the issues that matter to the voters, what’s going on on everyday to everyday people, then you’re going to be okay.”
He pointed to rising housing costs and energy bills as concerns he is hearing from residents.
“So you know, and it’s not just usage because usage hasn’t really how much they’re using it hasn’t really changed. It’s the actual cost.”
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Garcia said he believes state-level races deserve particular attention because changes to state laws can affect residents relatively quickly.
“State laws can be changed, and it can affect us within months.”
Garcia said he believes voters should pay attention beyond the highest-profile races on the ballot.
He specifically mentioned Democratic candidates Diana Luna, who is running for House District 71, and Riley Rodriguez, who is running for state Senate District 28.
“I mean, I just want to see a wave. I mean, if we are successful in making Diana Luna our next House District representative, and we can make Riley Rodriguez our next state senator for our area, the rest of it will take care of itself.”
Garcia said the Taylor County Democratic Party has been working to build its local organization ahead of the election.
He said the party has established committee leadership, volunteers and social media efforts while increasing participation at meetings.
“So we have we have built a committee heads. We have people in place to do our social media volunteers. We our meetings have increased as far as attendance and people participating, and so we had built an infrastructure in Taylor County that a lot of people have not been aware of.”
Garcia said the presence of Democratic candidates in races across the state also gives voters more options on the ballot.
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Garcia identified housing, energy prices, and gas prices as issues he believes could influence voters locally.
He also discussed the area’s rapid growth and its impact on traffic and businesses.
“And then also the, like I said, the invasion. Well, I shouldn’t use the word invasion, but person that when they bring in all these workers, and they have changed traffic patterns, they have changed.”
Garcia said the changes can be noticeable in residents’ everyday lives, including when they go out to eat or travel around the area.
He also shared stories of residents struggling with housing costs to illustrate his concerns about affordability.
Garcia emphasized the importance of voters making sure they are registered and actually casting their ballots.
He said campaigns and political organizations can help remind voters about upcoming elections and registration deadlines.
“The idea now is go vote. Make sure you vote. Have a say in what happens in your local government and your state government and your federal government.”
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Despite Taylor County and the surrounding region traditionally being Republican-leaning, Garcia said he believes the political landscape could look different in 2026.
“I wouldn’t be doing this otherwise. Yeah. I mean, I don’t, I don’t play to to come in close. I play to win.”
He said the local Democratic Party’s goal is not simply to participate but to compete in races across the ballot.
“You go to win, and and because it’s not just about winning. Because the only way to actually make a change for everyday working people to listen to what’s going on is to win.”
Garcia said the combination of candidates, local organization and issues affecting residents could make the 2026 election different from previous cycles.
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