Local democrats hear from candidates ahead of 2026 elections

Local democrats hear from candidates ahead of 2026 elections

Published 10:00 am Saturday, January 10, 2026

Members of the local Democratic Club gathered Tuesday night for a meeting focused on the 2026 election cycle, giving members and residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking state and federal office and to engage with them in an intimate setting.

Among those speaking was Masika Ray, who is running for U.S. Congressional District 1. Ray emphasized the importance of representation and accountability, telling attendees, “You deserve a representative that will actually show up and listen to you… I want to show up for you, listen to you, and carry your voice from Washington and represent you in honesty and integrity.” Her platform rests on promoting education, family farms, and keeping immigrant families together.

Also addressing the group was Leticia Ambroz, a longtime East Texas resident who spent more than two decades working for FedEx in logistics and management roles across the Longview and Tyler areas. Ambroz said her decision to run stems from concerns about the direction of the state and its impact on future generations. “This is just not the Texas that I want my grandchildren to grow up in,” she said, citing priorities such as strengthening public education, supporting rural economies, and expanding access to health care. She emphasized her belief that state leadership should better reflect the needs of working families, retirees, and rural communities throughout the district.

Dax Alexander also spoke with attendees about his background and reasons for entering the race. A Smith County resident, Alexander said he was raised in a small East Texas community and grew up working on a dairy farm, an experience he credits with shaping his views on work ethic, opportunity, and representation. He emphasized the importance of consistent, on-the-ground engagement with voters, telling the group, “People here deserve a representative who will actually show up and listen,” Alexander said, adding that he sees his campaign as an underdog effort rooted in grassroots organizing and community connection.

Roxanne Lathan, who is seeking election to represent House District 11, also addressed the group and encouraged continued involvement ahead of the primary. Lathan, an educator with more than a decade of experience in Texas schools, has centered her campaign on issues including public education, economic security, affordable health care, and support for small businesses. She spoke briefly while distributing campaign materials, stressing the importance of visibility and early voter engagement as the election approaches.

Organizers from the Panola County Democrats Club said meetings like this are an important part of building voter engagement ahead of the 2026 elections, allowing constituents to learn about candidates for themselves, beyond campaign literature and social media. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, speak one-on-one with candidates, and stay involved with future events across East Texas as the year continues.