Texas political conventions expected to bring economic boost to Corpus Christi, Houston

Texas politics are heating up along with the late spring and summer temperatures. Once the May 26 runoff elections determine the winners from the March primary contests, the next major step for both parties will be their state conventions.

Texas Republicans and Democrats are both preparing for statewide conventions later this summer. Political conventions are an important piece of the election puzzle, allowing parties to formally organize ahead of future elections. Delegates selected through local precinct and county conventions gather to vote on party business, discuss policy priorities and help shape the direction of their parties moving forward. Attendees also hear from speakers, party leadership and political candidates.

Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend are set to benefit economically from the Texas Democratic Party Convention, scheduled for June 25–27. The convention is expected to feature several high-profile speakers, including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. Organizers say more than 5,000 people are expected to attend, including delegates, activists and elected officials.

Visit Corpus Christi estimates the convention could generate more than $4 million for the local economy, with more than 3,000 hotel room nights expected during the event.

Meanwhile, Republicans will hold their state convention June 11–13 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Republican Party leaders say the convention will help shape the party’s platform and priorities for the next two years. Organizers are also calling it one of the largest conservative conventions in the country.

Ultimately, the conventions are political gatherings, but events of this size can also provide a boost not only to the hotel industry, but to restaurants, bars and nightlife districts downtown and across the entire Coastal Bend.

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