.png)
BASTROP — Democrats in Bastrop County made their presence known last weekend with a major protest and political summit aimed at building momentum and defending democratic values.
More than 700 people joined the national “No Kings” protest June 14, lining the pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River in Bastrop to wave signs, display flags and peacefully express concern over what organizers called growing authoritarianism in Texas and nationwide.
“I’m still basking in the afterglow of the most successful bridge protest that Bastrop County Democrats have ever held,” said Mary Liz Singleton, secretary and editor for the Bastrop County Democratic Party. “I was hoping for 300 people, so imagine my surprise when 700 showed up.”
The group’s demonstration in April drew a crowd of about 200.
The event was part of a nationwide day of action and reflected deep local engagement, Singleton added. Attendees cited a range of motivations, from defending the Constitution and public service workers to voicing support for democratic institutions and opposition to political overreach.
“We are here because we love our country, our people, our land,” one protester said. “We are here in support of our civil servants who are being let go. We are here in solidarity with friends, family and neighbors.”
Another added, “The only way to protect everything I know and love is to make a stand and to speak out while I still can.”
About a dozen counterprotesters were present, but the demonstration remained peaceful. Participants praised the event’s organization, including water stations, volunteers checking on the crowd and a visible but nonintrusive police presence.
“What a great idea to be on the bridge while we attempt to bridge our way back to community,” one speaker said. “Two hours was perfect. Lots of traffic—most in favor of the protest, some not, but that’s what’s great about this country—we have the right to speak our minds.”
The protest coincided with the Rural Texas Summit, held June 13–14 at the Bastrop Convention Center and co-sponsored by the Coalition of Democratic Allies. The event brought together Democrats from across the state for candidate trainings, strategic planning and coalition building.
“This weekend was a powerful example of how rural communities are coming together—not just to fight back, but to build forward,” said Ruth Todd, president of the Coalition of Democratic Allies. “We are showing the state and the country that rural Texas will not be ignored.”
Shuttle service coordinated by Carole Marmell allowed attendees to participate in both events, further strengthening the weekend’s theme of collaboration and grassroots energy, organizers said.
According to the coalition, more events are planned in the coming weeks to sustain engagement, register voters and support candidates as rural Democrats continue to organize ahead of the 2025 and 2026 elections.
