Gillespie County Democratic Party Essay Contest Winners!
Jackson Johnson (Fredericksburg ISD) and Gracie Holmes (Harper IDS) each received a $1,000.00 scholarship for their entries in the Gillespie County Democratic Party Profiles in Courage Essay Contest.
Jackson’s essay: Obama’s Stand Against Terrorism
Gracie’s essay: The Bold Stand of Senator John McCain
Gillespie County Democratic Association
Awards Scholarships for 2025
GCDA celebrated 2 FISD graduating seniors and two current college students with $10,000.00 worth of scholarships. Scholarship Committee Chair Lee Wilson awarded a $2,500 scholarship to each of these students.
Gillespie County Democrats are so proud of these young adults:
Sophia Lutz is a graduating senior from Fredericksburg High School, who will be attending the University of British Columbia beginning this Fall. She will be studying international relations as her major in college. Her career goal is to complete her undergraduate degree and then go to law school to pursue a degree in international law. I want to help mend our country’s relations with the rest of the world. A notable quote from her application was, “Throughout my life, I’ve made a point to stand up for others and speak out against prejudice, something that is often intimidating to me living in a small, conservative town.”
Paige McDade is a graduating senior from Fredericksburg High School, who will be attending Trinity University in San Antonio. Paige is this year’s valedictorian at Fredericksburg High School, and is a member of the tennis team and the golf team. Shen volunteered with the Central Texas Food Bank in Fredericksburg. Her major at Trinity will be psychology, and she hopes to continue to get advanced degrees in psychology and become a licensed therapist. She has chosen this field because, “I hope to help people that struggle with mental health issues.”
Anthony Hernandez was a 2021 graduate of Fredericksburg High School and this Fall will be continuing his education at the San Antonio College. Anthony received a scholarship from the GCDA after high school graduation, and applied this year as a continuing student. Anthony is seeking a B.S. degree in nursing. My ultimate career goal is to become a registered nurse and earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). He aspires to continue my education and eventually become a nursing school instructor. Anthony stated in his application that, “I want to see the impact I make in people’s lives in real time. Nursing allows me to provide immediate care and support to those in need, which is incredibly fulfilling
Sadie Eidson is graduating this year from Trinity University with a B.S. degree in Geology. Sadie received an award from the GCDA in 2020-21, and has applied for an award as a graduate student. Sadie will attend Columbia University’s Climate School as part of their new M.S. program in in Climate Science. As part of her program she will have the opportunity to take classes and complete research at the esteemed Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, NY. In her application, Sadie says, “I care about the planet…and because through my studies in Climate Science I can obtain the tools to fight climate change, and through all that, support the people of this world who need our help.” At Trinity, Sadie has actively increased voter participation to support Democratic candidates.
People's Town Hall, Sunday, April 13, Fredericksburg, TX.
Chip Roy's TX21 district, Ellen Troxclair's TX HD19. They weren't there. Congressman Joaquin Castro and Legislators Gene Wu and Vikki Goodwin were. The new Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, Kendall Scudder, also brought some fire to the event! This is the main hall. There was an overflow room, too. Over 350 in attendance in this ruby red rural Hill Country!
Texas State Representative Gene Wu, Gillespie County Democratic Chair Cathy Collier, Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder, Kendall County Democratic Chair Laura Bray, Moderator Jerry Vaclav, Bexar County Democratic Chair, Michelle Lowe Solis, U.S. Congressional Representative Joaquin Castro, Texas State Representative Vikki Goodman, Kerr County Democratic Chair Lynette Wedig. (Not pictured, Blanco County Democratic Chair Maggie Goodman.)
The People’s Town Hall was a success. Those who attended experienced a wonderful event…Democracy at work!
If you couldn’t attend, but would like to see and hear what attendees saw and heard, click on the link:
Gillespie County Democratic Party was one of the sponsors of the LBJ100 bicycle event on April 5. In addition to sponsoring, GDCP volunteers staffed one of the Rest Stops during the event!
Gillespie County Sheriff Chris Ayala visits with Gillespie County Democratic Association
Gillespie Democrats (and others!) take advantage of one of their rights as American citizens, Saturday, March 08, 2025.
Possible best sign:
“So Many Issues
Not Enough Cardboard!”
The second weekend of exercising our right to protests……Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Gillespie County Democrats had a successful community service event Tuesday, February 18......an Eggs-travaganza. We gave away 31 dozen eggs to families driving by our HQ, which is about 2 blocks from the middle school. Lots of happy moms picking up their kids from school Tuesday afternoon! Recipients were asked to choose among three current issues as to which is most important…..the economy, education, immigrant reform.
It was a good day!
L-R: Cathy Collier, Barbara Elmore, Jerry Vaclav, Shirley Truitt. Not pictured: Charlotte Freeborn, Lane Tait.
Texas is turning Blue.
Our rights are at stake. Join the fight.
At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Aug. 19-22, 2024!
GCDA Monthly Meeting Update
Come to the monthly meetings of the Gillespie County Democratic Association (GCDA)! There are engaging speakers, good conversations, and lots of positive energy. We also handle business matters at the meetings.
Our next GCDA meeting is Wednesday, June 18. The meetings are at Gillespie County Democratic Headquarters at 209 N. Crockett, Fredericksburg, at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker TBA.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Also, please note that the GCDA now has a new phone number! It is 830-992-3144.
Breaking News: All 5 Congressional Delegate 21 (CD-21) National Delegates (Including Two from Gillespie County) Endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States!
Following President Joe Biden’s historic announcement that he will not continue to seek the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, the entire delegation from CD-21 for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and will vote for her to be our nominee and the first woman president in American history.
The First-Ever Congressional District 21 Democratic Convention
took place on Saturday, August 3, 2024, 11am-5pm, in Fredericksburg. Democrats from all ten counties in our Congressional District came together to hear great speakers, learn from each other, and collaborate on joint goals.
The convention was organized by Abel Jaimes of Gillespie County and Gabrien Gregory of Bexar County.
Dems in the Gillespie County Fourth of July Parade and Picnic!
Some of our members rode on the Gillespie County Democrats float in the Fredericksburg Fourth of July parade! Afterwards, we had a picnic that featured fun, camaraderie, and a speech by Dr. Kristin Hook, who is running for Congress in our district to unseat incumbent Chip Roy.
Investing in the Future
GCDA President Charlotte Freeborn and Scholarship Committee Chair Lee Wilson present the GCDA 2024 scholarships to Andres Cooke and Eleanor Burns at a reception honoring the students’ accomplishments and future.
Representing Gillespie County at Democratic Party Conventions (2024)
Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Aug. 19-22
Two of Gillespie County’s own represented Texas at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, August 19-22: Graham Nessler and Abel Jaimes. Here they are below along with fellow National Delegate Gabrien Gregory from Bexar County. (See above for pictures.)
Texas Democratic State Convention, El Paso, June 6-9
Nine Gillespie County Democrats were chosen as delegates to the Texas State Democratic Convention in El Paso. Here are some photos from this event.
Gillespie County Democratic Convention
The Gillespie County Democratic Party Convention was Saturday, March 23, at 10 a.m. at the Gillespie County Democratic Party Office, 209 N. Crockett, Suite 1.
Delegates to the Texas Democratic Party state convention were chosen. They are County Chair Cathy Collier, delegates Charlotte and Bill Freeborn, Roger and Liz Paul, Elke Ditges, Graham Nessler, Abel Jaimes, and Jerry Vaclav. Several resolution requests were also adopted to be sent along to the state convention Resolutions Committee. The state convention was June 6-8 in El Paso.
INAUGURAL MOLBERG/KELLER DINNER
“Each of you here tonight—and so many others—have helped to build the Gillespie County Democratic Party. We thank you for your support, your courage and your enthusiasm as we work for issues important to all Texans.” — Cathy Collier, Gillespie Co. Chair
The Gillespie County Democratic Party held its Inaugural Molberg/Keller Dinner on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the Hill Country University Center HEB Room.
The sold out event honored two past Democratic County Chairs, Maxine Molberg and George Keller, celebrated a very successful Fund Drive, and welcomed special guest James Talarico, Texas House of Representatives District 50.
The event was emceed by Gillespie County Democratic Chair Cathy Collier and Deputy Chair Jerry Vaclav. Ken Molberg, Fifth Court of Appeals Justice and son of Maxine Molberg, past county chair Bill Joseph, and Kathleen Keller, wife of George Keller, offered remembrances and stories about Maxine and George.
Representative Talarico offered his perspective about serving in the Texas House, about the current 4th Special Session, and moving forward as we work for issues important to all Texans.
Attendees were part of the over 170 citizens who contributed to this year’s fund drive.
Democratic Representative James Talarico serves in the Texas House of Representative. Two days before the vote in the 4th Special Session of the Texas legislature rejecting the governor's push for school vouchers, he was the guest of the Gillespie County Democratic Party at the Inaugural Molberg/Keller Dinner in Fredericksburg, Texas. Take a listen to his inspiring presentation...
Volunteering and Outreach
Vickie Bonewitz, Martha Zeiher, and Cathy Collier help distribute food and holiday turkeys at the Central Texas Food Bank event on November 11. Over 200 holiday turkeys were distributed.
The Gillespie County Democratic Party frequently offers community outreach opportunities. Recently, Michael Barr was hosted at the GCD headquarter to talk about and offer his newest book Hill Country Hindsights, a collection of observations, articles, and stories about where we live. Kathleen Keller and Martha Zeiher, as well as many others, were able to have Mr. Barr sign their copies of his book.
The next opportunity:
On July 8, local photographer Jim Fox will be signing his book of wonderfully evocative photos collected from his vast collection. Stop by from 10 a.m.-12 noon to take a look at this truly beautiful book.
“The world wants to know - is the future a democratic one or an autocratic one? And I want to make sure that the United States leads on that, clearly that it's democratic.”
— Beto O’ Rourke speaking to 800 people at the Town Hall at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park | August 17 2022
#UvaldeStrong
💙
#UvaldeStrong 💙
Gillespie County Democrats have donated $2,000 to the Uvalde Strong Fund organized by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The funds were collected at our group’s first Wine Down Friday
Voter Guide
Learn how to vote in Texas Gillespie County elections.
Our Candidates
Stay up to date on Democratic Candidates
and where they stand on issues.
Volunteer with us
We need your help to fight for for the rights of the disadvantaged and for the health of our planet.
Join the Gillespie County Democratic Association (GCDA)
Meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month @ 209 North Crockett/Suite 1, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Additionally when you join, you will receive the “Demo Memo”, our monthly newsletter. *Club membership is $10.00 a person and $15.00 per family*
