Our Next Monthly Meeting

Mobilize link: Community Conversation with Cedar Park Candidates

Join us for an evening of conversation with three leaders working to shape the future of Cedar Park:

• Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin
• Darron Jurajda for Place 2
• Shweta Padmanabha for Place 6

Early Voting starts Monday, April 20 for this City Council election. Hear directly from candidates about the issues that matter most to our community and learn more about their visions for Cedar Park. What happens in growing Cedar Park also effects our surrounding communities. Don't miss this opportunity!

• Incumbent Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin, running for re-election, is preparing the city for the next phase of growth focusing on public safety, fiscal responsibility and traffic challenges.
• Darron Jurajda, running for City Council Place 2, is focused on parks, trails, walkability to build a more connected and thriving community.
• Shweta Padmanabha, running for City Council Place 6, is focused on supporting public schools, smart infrastructure planning, and assuring that in our diverse community everyone has a seat at the table.

Mobilize link: Louis Malfaro serves as the new Executive Director of the Travis County Democratic Party (TCDP), where he leads the party’s day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and community engagement efforts in one of Texas’ most politically active counties. A longtime political organizer and advocate, Malfaro has built his career around expanding voter participation, strengthening grassroots infrastructure, and supporting Democratic candidates at the local, state, and national levels. His work focuses on coalition building, volunteer mobilization, and ensuring that Travis County remains a stronghold for civic involvement and democratic values.

Before stepping into his executive leadership role, Malfaro was widely recognized for his work in labor organizing and political advocacy across Texas. He has collaborated with unions, community organizations, and policy leaders to advance workers’ rights, equitable economic policies, and inclusive representation. Known for his pragmatic leadership style and deep network within Texas politics, Malfaro continues to play a key role in shaping regional political strategy while mentoring the next generation of organizers and activists.

Mobilize link: The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is one of Texas’ most important but least understood organizations. It sets policy for Texas public schools, establishing curriculum standards, adopting textbooks, setting graduation requirements, and overseeing the Permanent School Fund, among other duties.

However, the SBOE faces ongoing controversies. Key issues include conservative efforts to downplay evolution/climate science, debates over "whitewashing" history or adding anti-racist elements, and conflicts over incorporating religious materials and figures into public school standards.

All Democratic candidates running to represent District 5 in the upcoming Primary have been invited to this Forum where they will answer structured questions so voters can better evaluate who’s best suited to be our next Member.

Sponsored by Far Northwest Democrats, Four Points Democrats, North Shore Democrats, Pflugerville Democrats, and Wells Branch Democrats. District 5 includes all of Travis County, plus more.

Senator Nathan Johnson is running for Texas Attorney General. He is a distinguished litigator, mediator, and Texas State Senator with a strong record of effective public service. He earned a B.S. in physics from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, and currently practices law at Thompson Coburn LLP in Dallas. Beyond his legal and legislative work, he has composed musical scores for the acclaimed series Dragon Ball Z and is the proud father of three adult children.

As a candidate for Attorney General, Senator Johnson offers both policy depth and legal expertise, along with a reputation for integrity, diligence, and a results-driven approach to governance. Since taking office in 2019, he has authored more than 430 bills and passed 134 into law, advancing policy in areas including energy, education, healthcare, the environment, and criminal justice. His legislative record reflects a consistent commitment to transparency, fairness, and the responsible use of public resources.

Celia Israel was elected Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector in 2024 and has spent her career committed to effective, inclusive public service. A UT Austin graduate and former member of the Ann Richards administration, she’s served on numerous local boards focused on equity and community support, including the Capital Area Food Bank, Girls Empowerment Network, and Project Transitions.

Celia represented Northeast Travis County in the Texas House from 2014–2023, earning recognition for her work on voting rights, transportation, and good government. She co-founded the House LGBTQ Caucus and was inducted into the Austin Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018.

She lives in Austin with her wife, Celinda, and their dogs, Pippa and Libby.

Joe Jaworski is running for Texas Attorney General. Elected after 2008’s Hurricane Ike, Joe served as the 55th mayor of Galveston, Texas. Mayor Joe, widely regarded as the city’s most responsive and accessible mayor in its nearly two-century history, led Galveston’s transformative recovery from epic natural disaster.

Mayor Joe personally resolved a decades-long Galveston dispute, leading the call for a popular election that forever changed the way improvements to Galveston’s famous Seawall Boulevard would be financed, a solution that today benefits millions of Texans yearly.

 Doug Greco has 25 years of experience as a political organizer, fighting for marginalized communities and progressive change. A former teacher, CTI Executive Director, and Chief of Staff for Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Doug has led campaigns for fair wages, equal rights, and stronger democracy. He’s ready to bring that fight to the Travis County Democratic Party and looks forward to working with every member to win in 2025 and beyond.