On The Record: Steve Richardson

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Steve Richardson, Chair of the Gregg County Democratic Party.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

My wife was an activist in the 1960s and 1970s. We decided to see where the Democrats were meeting, and there wasn’t much happening in Gregg County at the time.

We got involved about 3 and a half years ago. We got involved in the Max Sandlin campaign and we wanted to go to the state convention, so we started getting involved again.

The County Chair was ill and couldn’t find a replacement and I ended up with the job.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning Gregg County?

I think the issues here are pretty common. Immigration is an issue because we have a big Hispanic population, and health care is an issue everywhere.

Gregg County is becoming a large retirement community, and the health issues are important.

How do local politics affect your family?

There is not a big effect on my family regarding these issues, other than health care. I was out of work five years ago and I’m in business for myself now. It’s hard to afford health insurance.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

I am looking forward to a Democratic President. The local “Dixie”crats here have all gone Republican, and we’re looking for more progressive Democrats to bridge the gap.

“Dixie”crats are the people here that call themselves Democrats but most of their ideals fall in line with the Republican Party. “Dixie”crats are having a hard time fitting in with the more progressive Democratic Party that’s coming up.

Young people are becoming more involved and are bringing more progressive ideas that fit the current Democratic Party better.

What advice would you give to young people just getting into politics?

Young people should try to be informed and understand that what you hear on the news or radio is one side to the story. There are complicated issues, and young people should stay informed.

What one thing would you say a political organization never has enough of?

People have so many commitments; there is a lot of competition for people’s time. They are so involved with church, family and things that we have a hard time getting people’s time to stay involved. We need people and their time to help make a change.