Despite 2026 being a midterm year, Republicans held a national convention in Dallas on September 9-10. This is on top of two other major rallies hosted this year in Texas—CPAC in Grapevine (March) and the state Republican convention in Houston (June). The Dallas Morning News reported that honorary delegate tickets to the Dallas convention (aka Trumpapoolza) cost $20,000 a person.
Likely in an effort to make the best of what would prove to be a repulsive event, the Talarico for Senate campaign quickly put out a challenge for Texans to combat this hate-filled gathering with kindness. Under the banner “Love Thy Neighbor,” James Talarico put out a call for people to donate 20,000 pounds of pantry items that would go to those facing food insecurity. This goal was met in days with the donations gathered and distributed to people in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
While intended for Dallas initially, the desire to help was infectious. Across Texas and, soon the rest of the country, Democrat-associated clubs—including the Democrats of La Porte—held their own food drives during the weeks around the convention. With just a few days heads up, the Democrats of La Porte membership raised a total of (at least) 135 pounds worth of dry and canned goods at our general meeting on September 14.
DOLP leadership took the donated items to the pantry operated by the La Porte Community Church. This organization was chosen because this church runs a 24/7 walk up pantry (202 S 1st St). There are no qualifications, forms, or questions asked. DOLP Vice President Shelia explained, “There isn’t a sign-in or any requirements to take food.”
In addition to the La Porte Community Church, other organizations in La Porte also accept donations and distribute to those food insecure. The Light of Christ Lutheran Church (2530 South Broadway) and First Baptist Church (902 West Main St) run food pantries with varying qualification policies.
On being a part of coordinating this local effort, Shelia noted, “I want people to understand we are part of the community, and as such, we want to participate in community events and give back.”