Bexar County Republicans Gather for Trump Watch Party

November 12, 2019 - Northside San Antonio

By Jade Esteban Estrada - Political Columnist, San Antonio Sentinel

On the eve of Election Day, about 40 people are gathered for Stop the Madness, a counter-impeachment campaign event organized by Trump Victory, one of two joint fundraising committees, at The Lion & Rose British Restaurant & Pub on La Cantera Parkway. Though seemingly subdued, this local event will officially usher San Antonio voters into what’s likely to be the most contentious election season in modern history.

In a far corner of the room sits Toni Anne Dashiell, a Republican National Committeewoman. She is scheduled to speak to the small crowd shortly before President Donald J. Trump addresses the nation from a Make America Great Again rally at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. 

As I further survey the space, I spy a few notable attendees, including Dominick Dina, a Republican candidate for Texas' 20th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Congressman Joaquin Castro, the twin brother of Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro. Also in attendance is the always affable Steve Allison, State Representative for House District 121 and rock music enthusiast John Austin, candidate for Bexar County Republican Party chair.

Austin-based organizers Sam Pohl, communications director of the Republican Party of Texas and Jocelyn Schwartz, special events director for Texas' Trump Campaign, are busily keeping the event on schedule and, in doing so, seem to be gently infusing a fresh avidity to the local Republican Party. And although Rick Gorka, a spokesman for Trump's campaign and the RNC, recently told Fox News that the goal of this campaign is to "cause chaos within the Democratic Party," this GOP event bears a mark of civility and begins with a prayer by Dina, who is a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, according to his campaign website. 

After Trump's politically charged speech, Pohl introduces me to Dashiell, the well-dressed, statuesque guest of honor, whose opening remarks were cut short when the commander in chief appeared on the large screen a few moments earlier than expected. I ask her what stood out for her during his speech. "How he always brings people together,” she replies. “And how he always talks about the success of what he's accomplished and what he sees can be accomplished for America - and Americans."

As we converse, staffers collect blank and filled-out volunteer information cards from each table. Though a few young folks were present, the group mostly consisted of people over the age of fifty and was largely - though not entirely - white.

"There's so much that he talks about that really touches me," Dashiell says, adding that the president's comments about the importance of voting struck her as an empowering message. "That's the thing that I love about him. He's saying [to voters], 'We need you and you've got to be the ones to make this happen.'"

Dashiell views Trump's speech as "the icing on the cake" for Kentucky Republicans in recognition of the groundwork they’ve laid to engage voters. She was also impressed by how Trump shared his stage time with select statewide politicians like incumbent Governor Matt Bevin, who, at present, is in a tight race with Andy Beshear, the Democratic contender who would ultimately prevail in the deep-red state. U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul also spoke as well as other political stars of the Commonwealth. 

Dashiell, who is one of two state representatives serving on the RNC (Houston-based Robin Armstrong is her peer), thinks that border security and the economy are the top two issues that will most concern Texas voters in 2020.

Judging by the laughs, applause breaks and sustained cheers, Trump's well-crafted speech, which poked fun at Democrats and media professionals alike, seemed to rally and entertain both his Lexington and San Antonio supporters. Dashiell nods in agreement. "Oh, gosh," she says with a chuckle, "I wish I would have written it down because, you're right, it's like, 'Oh, my gosh! Did he just say that?'"

Dashiell, who began her political involvement in 1968 as a member of Teenage Republicans, believes that the president's sincerity and his ability to ad lib will ultimately be a factor in what she hopes will be a successful re-election bid.

"I truly believe our president loves America," she says. "He loves the people and he wants to do what is right." She pauses, slightly shrugs her shoulders, then says, "He's the best."

FURTHER READING: Latinos for Trump Conference Aims to Educate and Activate Hispanic Conservatives

Though Bexar County once again experienced low voter turn-out on Election Day, advocates on both sides of the aisle continue to encourage local residents to show up to the polls.

The next evening, all candidates in the special elections for Texas House Districts 28, 100 and 148 would fall short of winning more than 50% of the vote, which would be, for some Republicans, a ray of holiday hope. Gary Gates would advance to a runoff in the HD 28 race and Luis La Rotta would advance to a runoff in the HD 148 contest. In the Houston mayoral race, high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee, who has financially contributed to the Trump campaign, would enter into a runoff with sitting mayor, Sylvester Turner.

"[Voting] is a privilege,” Dashiell says, seemingly pleased with how the night turned out. “It's just so important for [people] to have a voice."

She smiles, then earnestly adds, “And their voice does matter."

Jade Esteban Estrada covers politics for the San Antonio Sentinel. Email him at jade@sasentinel.com.