An estimated 700 grassroots conservatives from at least 22 counties in North and Central Texas awoke as early as 3 a.m. to board charter buses to the state Capitol. Their reason: to Ban Democrat Chairs.
Brandon Burden, a grassroots activist, pastor, and author of “Daniel Nation: When Christians Take a Stand in Civil Government,” mobilized this grassroots army. Deborah Fite, chairwoman of the Texas GOP subcommittee Ban Democrat Chairs, worked with Burden to organize and promote the caravan, which spanned 14 charter buses.
It paid off. This year, more people came in one day than all 12 trips the group made in 2023.
Brandon set up two websites to help attendees. One provided bus information, and the other listed the status of “holdouts” who had not committed to voting for the Republican Caucus nominee for speaker, David Cook.
Denise Ballew served as a bus captain for the Denton/McLennan County group. She ensured all 39 bus passengers arrived on-time and followed the schedule.
This was Ballew’s second time visiting the Capitol with Burden. She was one of about 600 people who traveled to the Capitol when he ran North Texas Conservatives.
“We have to get the word out,” said Ballew. “We can’t just rely on government officials; we have to step up and get involved at all levels.”
Once off the bus, however, she handed the baton to her six team captains, each responsible for leading at least six travelers to legislators’ offices to discuss talking points.
Devvie Duke, a former SREC committeewoman, led a team that traveled to Republican legislators’ offices supporting Burrows.
When the activists, most in red shirts with the slogan “Ban Democrat Chairs!”, arrived in legislators’ offices, the tone between the Cook and Burrows camps differed notably. The staffers of legislators supporting Burrows appeared uncomfortable speaking with them as they attempted to persuade them that Cook was the better choice.
Laramie Stroud, chief of staff to Drew Darby (R–San Angelo), told Duke’s group that Cook never called Darby, which was one reason Darby chose to vote for Burrows.
Burrows’ office blocked Duke, Ballew, and others from entering and signing the guest book.
“They’ve been rebelling since December 7th when they walked out of the Republican caucus meeting,” said Duke. “We’re here to make sure they know the rules and resolutions if they don’t.”
Cook’s supporters, on the other hand, welcomed the caravan. State Rep. Mark Dorazio (R-San Antonio) offered visitors pizza, and State Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) offered Chick-fil-A.
Afterward, teams went outside the Capitol to listen to State Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress) and Republican Party of Texas Chair Abraham George speak about banning Democrat chairs.
“The Republican Party of Texas is the only state that governs from the bottom up, not the top down,” said Fite, who was among the speakers.
Shortly afterward, Burden led an impassioned morning prayer meeting.
“The squeaky wheel gets the grease, as we know from lobbyists,” Burden later told Texas Scorecard. “We’re the largest lobby. We’re just unpaid.”
Indeed, although some donors contributed more to offset the cost of each $2,500 bus, activists paid $25- $65 for a roundtrip ticket. Burden also coordinated with True Texas Project for a bus.
“Legislators need to realize that we, the people, voted them in,” said Burden. “They’re accountable to us. The grassroots want them to follow the GOP priorities.”
However, there were setbacks. Burden communicated with Oliverson to allow the activists into the gallery, but the sergeant at arms did not allow him to make an interrupting motion. These were met with shouts of frustration as members funneled into the overflow room.
Eventually, Burrows won out after the second round with more support from Democrats than Republicans.
Burden remained unfazed. He said he learned from the last session that despite setbacks, consistency matters. He plans for every region to coordinate bus trips at least once a month. He also encourages citizens to call, write, email, text, and use social media to reach their legislators.
“The vote was disappointing, but the grassroots aren’t deterred,” said Burden. “We will be back, and we will be advocating for our priorities.”
Texans interested in future visits to the Capitol this session can find trip details at Daniel Nation.