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I am Hank Gilbert, and I am running to be your next Chair of the Smith County Democratic Party.
After being your nominee for Texas Agriculture Commissioner twice (2006, 2010) and your nominee for US Congress in 2020 against Louie Gohmert, you might ask why I would want to be Chair of the Smith County Democratic Party.
First, I know I will be able to use the skills, knowledge, and institutional memory I have gained from my more than 20 years as an active member and candidate in the Democratic Party to work to make the Smith County Democratic Party the best county party of its size in the state.
Second, I believe our outgoing chair, Michael Tolbert, has done many good things for our party. I’m running because I believe I can expand on those areas where Chair Tolbert was able to find success for the party.
While he has had some impressive ideas for the county party, he has been hindered in his efforts by discord within a small group of fellow Democrats that have actively worked against him at every opportunity.
Not only has this helped to diminish the county party, but it has also “turned off” many other fellow Democrats from getting involved to move our party forward, therefore allowing the Republicans to advance their hateful, one-sided policies upon us all.
I’ve personally known Chair Tolbert for close to two decades. He is a man of utmost integrity and honesty. He deserves far more respect than he has been shown by this small group of individuals. This continuous discord has been at a time when Democrats from all over the state have needed us most.
The Democratic Party stands for respect for all people and hope for a better future, together. With your help and support, I plan to work diligently to mend these divides and move the Smith County Democratic Party forward!
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I was raised here on the eastern side of Smith County and have been an unapologetic lifelong Democrat. I’ve raised my two sons, of whom I’m very proud, in this county. I’ve worked with people in this community to get important things done and have friends and acquaintances across all demographics. I’m also old enough to remember when Democrats could win in this county by promoting the values that all Democrats support.
My goal, as your next Chair, is to raise awareness across all of Smith County of the good that the county party can and will do. We will earn, and demand, respect as a party that puts people (all people) above politics. We won’t be yelling from the sidelines, but instead, have a seat at the table.
In the 2020 Primary election, over 11,000 Democrats voted in Smith County. I humbly ask that you help our current county Chair, Mr. Tolbert, improve those numbers in the upcoming Primary election by bringing someone with you to the polls. The only way that we can collectively make a difference in Smith County is to participate. That is the most effective way to make our voices heard!
If you share my vision for Smith County Democratic Party, I graciously ask that you vote for me as your next County Chair, but, by all means, don’t stop there. Get involved with the activities of the Smith County Democratic Party by attending our monthly party meetings, becoming a precinct chair and sharing your ideas on how Smith County Democrats can set the example for all of East Texas to follow!
Sincerely,
Hank Gilbert
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