AUSTIN, Texas — Democratic convention-goers are focused on separating themselves from the Republican Party, as they say more extremists emerge from the right. House Democratic Chair Trey Martinez-Fischer wants the party to unify against policies they believe hurt Texans. 

What You Need To Know

  • Democrats gathered in El Paso this past weekend for their state convention

  • Convention-goers were focused on differentiating themselves from Republicans

  • Priorities include opposing Gov. Greg Abbott's school voucher program and increasing access to abortion

  • Some political analysts said social issues were the chief focus of the convention 

“Having watched the Republican convention, it seems like, you know, that they’re making it harder to vote. They definitely tried to put the death penalty on women who seek abortions and they have a very anti-LGBT perspective. And so, you know, we couldn’t be any more different,” Martinez-Fischer said. 

The party's priorities include blocking Gov. Greg Abbott’s educational voucher plan, increasing abortion access and decreasing gun violence.

“To me, the biggest thing was on school vouchers and opposing school vouchers,” said Pooja Sethi, Travis County Democratic Party chair.

Some political analysts saw social issues as the focus of this past weekend's state Democratic convention in El Paso. 

“There was a lot of talk about their signature campaign theme of trying to expand abortion access in Texas. There was also a lot of talk about transgender and LGBT issues,” said Matthew Wilson, a Southern Methodist University professor of political sciences.

Achieving Democratic policy goals can be a challenge in a red state. But GOP infighting—because of the impeachment of Texs Attorney General Ken Paxton and the failure of education voucher bills—could play in the Democrats' favor as they focus on unity.

“We will leverage that unity, whether that is supporting one of our own to become speaker of the House or are looking to see who is willing to work with us to make sure that the Democrats have a seat at the table,” said Martinez-Fischer.

Political analysts are also watching the number of legislative races this fall that could result in Democratic wins.

“They might be able to use the abortion issue, among others, to make some headway in some of the more moderate suburban, Republican-controlled districts,” said Wilson.

Democrats also look to D.C. to give their party more power. North Texas Rep. Colin Allred is running for U.S. Senate and will face Sen. Ted Cruz in the general election.

“Together, we can restore freedom to Texas women and families. We can show the country and the world how to secure our border consistent with our values. We can show everyone that y’all really does mean all. And if they want to come for our freedoms, then they can come and take it,” said Allred.

If Allred beats Cruz, it would be the first statewide office held by a Democrat in nearly three decades. Democratic leadership also believe it would draw more national Democratic resources to Texas.