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How We Can Win America Back (and Actually Make Your Life Better)
Damian Galvan hosts special guest Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons (D-TX-146), a former labor organizer turned state legislator fighting for working families in Texas.
Damian and Lauren discuss her journey from middle school activist to viral political voice, why authenticity beats political theater, the fight against Republican gerrymandering in Texas, and how Democrats can actually connect with everyday people on issues like wages, healthcare, and community safety.
They also break down Greg Abbott’s compliance with Trump’s demands for new GOP seats, what it’s like battling bad-faith politics in the Texas legislature, and why making politics “cool” and welcoming is essential if Democrats want to win young voters.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:39 – Growing up in Houston & first activism wins
02:18 – Becoming a teen mom and finding labor organizing
05:01 – From community organizer to a state legislator
08:20 – Viral school board video & decision to run for office
11:46 – Why authenticity resonates more than talking points
14:10 – Democrats’ branding problem: making politics relatable
18:02 – Organizing in Texas & building a bigger tent
23:37 – “Cartoon villains” in politics & dystopian parallels
30:45 – Trump, fascism, and America’s declining global standing
36:00 – Greg Abbott, Trump, and Texas redistricting fight
42:55 – Racist gerrymandering & suppression of Black and Latino voters
47:20 – Why Texas isn’t red, it’s a non-voting state
50:05 – Legal battles, courts, and what comes next
52:58 – The future of Democratic organizing in Texas
55:45 – Closing thoughts
Thank you for tuning into the ‘Who Dem?’ Podcast! We bring on Democratic leaders, candidates, personalities, and more with a goal of truly getting to know the person beyond politics. Hosted by Damian Galvan and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA 31).
New episodes weekly! Subscribe now and never miss a conversation.
Connect with us on socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whodempod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whodempod
📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]
View all episodes
By The OX InstituteDamian Galvan hosts special guest Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons (D-TX-146), a former labor organizer turned state legislator fighting for working families in Texas.
Damian and Lauren discuss her journey from middle school activist to viral political voice, why authenticity beats political theater, the fight against Republican gerrymandering in Texas, and how Democrats can actually connect with everyday people on issues like wages, healthcare, and community safety.
They also break down Greg Abbott’s compliance with Trump’s demands for new GOP seats, what it’s like battling bad-faith politics in the Texas legislature, and why making politics “cool” and welcoming is essential if Democrats want to win young voters.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:39 – Growing up in Houston & first activism wins
02:18 – Becoming a teen mom and finding labor organizing
05:01 – From community organizer to a state legislator
08:20 – Viral school board video & decision to run for office
11:46 – Why authenticity resonates more than talking points
14:10 – Democrats’ branding problem: making politics relatable
18:02 – Organizing in Texas & building a bigger tent
23:37 – “Cartoon villains” in politics & dystopian parallels
30:45 – Trump, fascism, and America’s declining global standing
36:00 – Greg Abbott, Trump, and Texas redistricting fight
42:55 – Racist gerrymandering & suppression of Black and Latino voters
47:20 – Why Texas isn’t red, it’s a non-voting state
50:05 – Legal battles, courts, and what comes next
52:58 – The future of Democratic organizing in Texas
55:45 – Closing thoughts
Thank you for tuning into the ‘Who Dem?’ Podcast! We bring on Democratic leaders, candidates, personalities, and more with a goal of truly getting to know the person beyond politics. Hosted by Damian Galvan and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA 31).
New episodes weekly! Subscribe now and never miss a conversation.
Connect with us on socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whodempod/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whodempod
📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]