Official site for Ground Game Texas, building the coalition to achieve progressive wins for Texas communities.

50+ Messages / Page

  Tesla Stock Liquidation Dept. (aka GGTX Squad) · [email protected]
March 27, 2025 at 7:57 PM

Got some Tesla stock to liquidate? Let’s make some good trouble.

Dear John, Elon Musk has been pouring money into Texas politicians who put his agenda first for years. But we have a bold idea to stop him: let’s turn Tesla stock into Texas-sized good trouble for our democracy. While Musk tries to undermine our democracy from the top down…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 24, 2025 at 8:48 PM

Dan Patrick’s Big Problem? Texans Support Legal Weed.

Dear John, Dan Patrick doesn't want you to know: cannabis decriminalization is a popular policy among Texas voters. Last week, Dan Patrick and his ally Texas State Sen. Charles Perry got visibly angry when reporters at a press conference pointed out that 62% of Texans suppor…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 21, 2025 at 7:45 PM

Attack on the Constitution!

Dear John, It sounds like the title of a bad movie, but it’s not. Trump and the wannabe-kings in our Texas Legislature are waging an all-out attack on our Constitutional rights and protections. HELP US STOP THEM IN THEIR TRACKS Here in Texas, we watched on Tuesday as…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM

In just one day, we organized—and you sent 3,850 emails to the Capitol!

John, In just one day, we organized against a Texas House Bill targeting our work—and that resulted in YOU sending 3,850 emails to lawmakers, urging them to reject this blatant power grab. That’s why we organize–because, in true Texan form, we show up big. Yesterday, the T…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 17, 2025 at 9:57 PM

Bad Bill ALERT: Take action today!

John, Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18th, the Texas House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee is scheduled to hear House Bill 524, authored by Republican Carl Tepper from Lubbock. This bill takes aim at the heart of Ground Game Texas’s work by requiring every ballot initiative to …
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 14, 2025 at 1:02 PM

Ground Game Texas Wants to Hear From You!

John, Right now, Ground Game Texas is working on building our strategic plan for 2025 and 2026. On the agenda in our immediate future are ballot initiatives across Texas—building power in Central Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, expanding to the greater Houston area, and into…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 12, 2025 at 3:43 PM

¡Ya basta!

Dear John, We know the weight you’re feeling. Living under both the Trump and Abbott administrations—it can feel like we’re barely keeping our heads above water. But let me remind you—we were made for this moment. For 30 years—almost my entire life—extreme politicians have rul…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 10, 2025 at 6:12 PM

Defeating Tyranny Takes a Team Effort

Dear John, This past Saturday, Ground Game Texas went to the Capitol along with about 3,000 of our fellow Texans to rally for democracy with Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Congressman Greg Casar. The message was clear — at a time when our democrac…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 7, 2025 at 11:27 PM

What We’re Working on in 2025

Dear John, 2025 has been off to a strong start for Ground Game Texas — and we cannot back off the pedal. We took on city officials who tried to stall our ballot initiatives–and won! A judge blocked Ken Paxton’s attempts to stop cannabis decriminalization in Dallas. W…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 5, 2025 at 6:58 PM

In the Fight Against Paxton, We're in Good Company

Dear John, Ken Paxton is using our hard earned tax payer money to fund his corrupt lawsuits–not just to defend his enterprise but to attack Texans, directly. Paxton resorts to this because he's learned bullying works. Over 100 lawsuits against the Biden administration blockin…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
March 3, 2025 at 2:02 PM

Democracy wins again!

Dear John, We’ve got great news – another judge has ruled against Ken Paxton in his fight against marijuana decriminalization. Last Friday, Dallas District Court Judge Dale Tillery threw out Paxton’s request for a temporary injunction against the city of Dallas, which wou…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
February 26, 2025 at 8:43 PM

Big News—Check Out Our New Website!

Dear John, We have big news! Ground Game Texas has just launched an updated website—your new go-to resource for learning about our campaigns, sharing our work, and staying connected to the movement. What will you find: List of our ongoing and past campaigns Staff an…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
February 19, 2025 at 6:31 PM

Fighting Back Against Pay-to-Play Politics

Dear John, In 2025, we’re living with the consequences of dark money in politics at every level — whether it’s Donald Trump handing control of the federal government to Elon Musk after Musk spent hundreds of millions of dollars supporting his campaign, or it’s Greg Abbott fav…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
February 11, 2025 at 6:13 PM

Now Is Not the Time to Give Into Paxton's Bullying

Dear John, As the American people stand up and fight against Trump’s unjust policies at the national level, it’s important for us Texans to fight back against our wannabe Trumps at the state and local level, too. At Ground Game Texas, we’re no stranger to attacks from Tru…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
February 4, 2025 at 4:06 PM

Check Us Out on the Progress Texas Happy Hour!

Dear John, Last week, Ground Game Texas Executive Director Catina Voellinger and Managing Director Mars Rodriguez sat down with Reagan Stone from Progress Texas to discuss the challenges and triumphs of organizing in Texas. Our wide-ranging discussion covered Ground Game’s en…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
January 31, 2025 at 7:05 PM

Another victory in the books

Dear John, After a lengthy delay, Propositions A and B are finally in effect in McAllen! Ground Game Texas started our latest campaign in McAllen early last year after we heard over and over again from voters in the area that they felt cynical and powerless about local polit…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
January 28, 2025 at 6:05 PM

Decriminalization Passed in Lockhart – Now What?

Dear John, After winning 15 out of 18 ballot initiatives in the four years since our founding, we’ve learned a lot about the process. One recurring theme is that the work isn’t done when the election is won. Instead, it continues as we organize to ensure that initiatives are …
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
January 23, 2025 at 8:13 PM

“The Governor Who Helped Trump Get Elected”

Dear John, Governor Greg Abbott has been at the forefront of fueling Trump’s attacks on immigrants. A New York Times op-ed described him as “The Governor Who Helped Trump Get Elected,” highlighting how he helped whip up anti-immigrant sentiment that Trump rode into office. …
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
January 20, 2025 at 6:03 PM

Honoring Dr. King by Following His Wisdom

Dear John, This January 15th would have been Martin Luther King Jr’s 96th birthday. Over the course of his brief life Dr King built a movement and inspired people across the world with his courage, commitment, and unmatched ability to give voice to the concerns of the Civil R…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
January 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM

Dallas Decrim Is in Effect!

Dear John, Just last November, the Dallas voters turned out for marijuana decriminalization — and now the policy is in effect throughout the city. When we launched our Dallas campaign, it was with the knowledge that decriminalization was long overdue and urgently needed …
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
January 14, 2025 at 2:03 PM

Ken Paxton Doesn't Quit, But Neither Do We!

Dear John, When we launched our cannabis decriminalization campaign in Dallas last year — our largest yet — we knew that if we won, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton would file yet another meritless lawsuit attempting to subvert the will of the people. Sure enough, no sooner…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
January 11, 2025 at 4:06 PM

Together We’re an Unstoppable Force for Progress!

Dear John, It’s a new year and there’s a lot on the horizon for Texas politics, not all of it promising. That’s why it’s so important that we don’t lose momentum. Last year was one of remarkable victories for Ground Game Texas. This year we’re going to do something - bui…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
January 8, 2025 at 6:12 PM

Meet our Dallas team

Dear John, When Ground Game Texas decided to launch our biggest cannabis decriminalization campaign yet in the city of Dallas, we knew we’d need an incredible local team to make it happen. With a city as big as Dallas — it's the third largest city in the state and the ninth …
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
December 23, 2024 at 2:02 PM

Meet Karen, McAllen Campaign Director

Dear John, Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen Campaign Director Karen Salazar knows firsthand the border’s potential for progressive change. While still in college, Karen first started organizing with Ground Game Texas in 2022 as a field organizer for the Livin…
  Mike Siegel, Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
December 19, 2024 at 7:52 PM

Next steps for me and GGTX

Dear John, Nearly four years ago, we started Ground Game Texas with a theory: that leading with popular, progressive issues at the local level is the key to building long-term change in Texas. Since that time, this organization has run 17 ballot measure campaigns in cities ac…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
December 17, 2024 at 10:36 PM

Meet Mars, Managing Director of Ground Game Texas

Dear John, Managing Director Mars Rodriguez has been a vital part of Central Texas organizing since they were a teenager. Growing up in a working-class home, they came to political work in 2016 understanding that in order for people’s lives to improve, we must organize to mak…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
December 12, 2024 at 6:20 PM

Help Us Meet Our Year-End Goal!

Dear John, This year, our progressive movement has faced numerous challenges, but with your support, Ground Game Texas has been able to meet the moment time and again. In Dallas, we leveled up our efforts to decriminalize marijuana across the state, gathering over 50,000 sign…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
December 9, 2024 at 6:53 PM

Continuing the Fight in 2025

Dear John, As we head toward 2025, Ground Game Texas is committed to the fight for progressive values across the state. Despite a hostile electoral climate that saw disappointing returns at both the state and federal levels, Ground Game’s ballot initiatives won across the boa…
  Catina Voellinger, Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
November 26, 2024 at 3:04 PM

A message from our ED

Dear John, Every night, as I tuck my two daughters into bed, I think about the legacy we’re building and the sacrifices of the generations before us. When I look at my girls, I see the strength and resilience of my family—the kind of grit that shaped who I am and fuels my wor…
  Catina (she/her/ella), Executive Director, Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
November 19, 2024 at 3:58 PM

Building Change from the Ground Up

John, Texas is often misunderstood. Some see us through our deficits — a place opposed to progress. But I know a different Texas. A place of love and community and struggle. A place where resilient and resourceful people are organizing in their communities to build a better f…
  Mars Rodriguez, Managing Director, Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
November 13, 2024 at 5:50 PM

How Ground Game protected abortion access in Amarillo

John, As I reflect on last week’s results and the past year of organizing, I keep coming back to our win last week in Amarillo — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in and trust local organizers. With only eight weeks before Election Day, Ground Game joined…
  Catina Voellinger, Executive Director · [email protected]
November 6, 2024 at 8:11 PM

Good news we can share

John, There’s no sugarcoating how painful it is to be a Texas progressive right now. Our movement— our people—suffered a massive loss yesterday. Like many of you, we are looking for silver linings today. Possibilities of change. Hope for what we can build together. Here’s how…
  Catina Voellinger · [email protected]
November 5, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Check out Ground Game’s Election Guide!

John, Today’s the day! Like you, our eyes will be on the Presidential race, which will have a tremendous impact on our lives. Ground Game is part of a massive Texas coalition that is working to get out every vote. Later this evening, when you are watching the results come in…
  Ground Game Texas PAC · [email protected]
October 31, 2024 at 8:21 PM

5 Days: Mobilizing young Dallas voters

John, There’s so much at stake in this election — you don’t need us to tell you that. But with 5 days left, we want to share how Ground Game’s ballot measure campaign in Dallas is driving turnout among voters 35 and younger. This demographic is essential for Democrats across …
  Ground Game Texas PAC · [email protected]
October 29, 2024 at 9:06 PM

7 Days: Final push for our 5 great candidates!

John, Some great news: with seven days until Election Day, Texas voters are turning out in record numbers. And in terms of who is voting, our analysis shows all five of our endorsed Democratic candidates are making enormous gains. In north Dallas, Democratic House nominee Av…
  Ground Game Texas PAC · [email protected]
October 24, 2024 at 9:04 PM

Kamala in Texas tomorrow!

John, A powerful sign Texas politics are moving in the right direction: VP Kamala Harris is leading a rally in Houston tomorrow, and she’ll be joined by Beyoncé! This is a big deal for Texas Democrats. With less than two weeks before Election Day, in an extremely close electi…
  Ground Game Texas PAC · [email protected]
October 23, 2024 at 7:25 PM

🔥🔥 Texas Early Vote Returns!🔥🔥

John, Today we’re feeling hopeful! Across the state, early voting numbers are coming in, and the turnout is amazing. Check out some of these headlines: “Texas sees record early-voting numbers, particularly in Democratic-leaning areas” (The Hill) “First day of Texas early vo…
  Ground Game & Willie Nelson · [email protected]
October 17, 2024 at 7:35 PM

Willie Nelson boosts our Dallas campaign!

John, Some very exciting news on the campaign front: the legendary Willie Nelson is boosting our Dallas campaign! This means a lot to our campaign. Not only because Willie Nelson is one of the most popular figures in Texas history. But also because Willie’s support illustr…
  Ground Game in the RGV · [email protected]
October 15, 2024 at 9:48 PM

NEW: “this time Democrats are playing offense”

John, The most important federal race in Texas is happening right now in the Rio Grande Valley, where Democratic nominee Michelle Vallejo has a great chance to unseat the GOP incumbent in Congressional District 15. As the Texas Tribune reported yesterday, national Democrats ha…
  Ground Game for Kamala · [email protected]
October 10, 2024 at 8:27 PM

Kamala’s growing Texas campaign

John, Some very good news! The Kamala Harris campaign and national groups are making major investments in Texas turnout. This is creating synergy with Ground Game’s local campaigns in Dallas and McAllen. In McAllen, national polls show Michelle Vallejo’s race has a 3% margin…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
October 8, 2024 at 8:59 PM

NEW: How we’re boosting these 5 Democratic stars

John, Ground Game Texas endorsed five wonderful candidates for state and local office. These courageous Democrats — all women! — are fighting for the Texas we deserve. How we’re helping these women is what makes Ground Game unique. We have contact information that no other c…
  Catina (she/her/ella), Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
October 4, 2024 at 1:01 PM

John, Paxton's Scared—And Here’s Why 😠

John, As Ground Game and our progressive allies work to turn out the vote, we've been hit with state-sanctioned voter suppression, in the form of Attorney General Ken Paxton. In recent months, AG Paxton sued Travis County, Bexar County, and Harris County to curtail voter reg…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
September 25, 2024 at 1:33 PM

Check out our amazing slate of candidates!

John, This November, Ground Game Texas PAC is focused on helping Democratic candidates in battleground races across the state. We endorse candidates in places we can make the biggest impact — where we’ve run ballot measure campaigns focused on popular, progressive issues, an…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
September 19, 2024 at 6:22 PM

From Kamala Harris to Prop. R in Dallas

John, What does a presidential campaign have to do with a Dallas ballot proposition? A whole darn lot, when it comes to motivating voters. Ground Game Texas spent thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars to put marijuana reform on the November 5 ballot in the c…
  Mars Rodriguez, Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
September 14, 2024 at 4:34 PM

Meet Mars, our new Managing Director!

John, My name is Mars Rodriguez, Managing Director here at Ground Game Texas. Today, I wanted to share with you something that’s been top of mind heading into this election. Ten years ago last month, when I was 15, my stepfather passed away. What my family and I always under…
  Ground Game Texas PAC · [email protected]
September 11, 2024 at 5:22 PM

8 Weeks to Change Texas

John, All that’s left is to get out the vote. The ballots are set. The candidates are running hard. Our ballot measures are underway. For 18 months, Ground Game has worked to set the stage for these last eight weeks. In Dallas, we’ve aligned a popular ballot measure (marijua…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
September 7, 2024 at 3:03 PM

PHOTOS: Ground Game’s annual event!

John, Our 4th Annual Ground Game Texas fundraiser was a big success! A great crowd of caring Texans joined us for “Rising Roots” to celebrate Ground Game’s work, appreciate everyone who made it possible, and motivate us for the big election to come. Some of the highlights…
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
September 4, 2024 at 2:01 PM

TODAY: Lloyd Doggett joins “Rising Roots” event!

John, Today is the 4th Annual Ground Game Texas fundraiser! And we just got great news — we’ll be joined by U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett! We hope to see you there. And if you can’t make it, please sponsor a ticket for local grassroots organizers! “Rising Roots” will be …
  Ground Game Texas · [email protected]
August 29, 2024 at 6:59 PM

6 Days ‘til our Big Event!

John, In just six days, we’ll have our annual Ground Game Texas celebration of the work we’ve done and the elections ahead! “Rising Roots” with Tex. Rep. James Talarico will be held the evening of Wednesday, September 4, in Austin, Texas. We’ll also be joined by Ground Game …
  Catina Voellinger, Executive Director · [email protected]
August 28, 2024 at 2:12 PM

We’ve put “freedom” on the ballot

John, The Democratic nominee for President, Kamala Harris, has made “Freedom” the theme of her campaign. And here at Ground Game Texas, we couldn’t be more excited! The challenge in Texas politics is convincing voters they can achieve their goals through the ballot box. Many…