Best Thing Panzarella Could Do On Council Is Defend Constitution & Help Defeat Republicans

Please CONTRIBUTE to the houston democracy PROJECT

​






Below is the oath of office newly elected Democratic Houston City Councilmember Joseph Panzarella will recite to assume office:

​I, ______________________________________, do Solemnly swear or affirm, that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of _____________________  of the State of Texas, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and Laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God.

(Above is Houston. I was in District C when I took the picture.)

People will tell me sometimes, (Though much less so than in the past. ) that Houston City Council is not the right place to take a stand for democracy. But what the oath office references almost exclusively is the Constitution of the United States.

Mr. Panzarella can defend the Constitution by acknowledging that the Republican Party is an authoritarian, white supremacist threat to democracy and the Constitution, & make as a top mission defeating At-Large Council Republicans Willie Davis and Twila Carter in 2027. 

Mr. Panzarella was helped in his campaign by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Commissioner Ellis is sitting on almost $8 million in campaign funds. He could help defeat Willie Davis and Twila Carter. Mr. Panzarealla could ask him to help. 

Another goal would be to flip Council District A from Republican to Democrat. The seat is currently held by term-limited Republican Amy Peck. District A was carried by Kamala Harris in 2024 with 54% of the vote. 

Mr. Panzarella must also support the 2026 Harris County/Texas Democratic slate with aggressive campaigning. His clear identification as a Democrat against the nebulous political leanings of his defeated opponent were essential to his win. Now Mr. Panzarella can return the favor.

The Texas Tribune has reported that Texas Legislative Republicans intend in 2027 to use the recent Supreme Court Voting Rights Act decision to gerrymander state legislative districts.  

What meaningful forward-looking public policy is Houston City Council going to enact with a right-leaning council under Mayor Whitmire's control? What prospect is there for hopeful policy if Texas state government turns even more to the right? 

The best way Mr. Panzarella can impact public policy in Houston is to work to defeat Republicans in 2026, and to help elect a better and more responsive Houston City Council in 2027. 

---

please contribute to the houston democracy project