On The Record: Terrysa Guerra

For this episode of On The Record, we interview Terrysa Guerra, the newest field staff member for the Texas Democratic Party.

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

My first political job was block walking in Bryan, TX. We were attempting to turnout the minority vote in a huge race, which we ultimately won. Though it was a narrow margin of victory, it was a great feeling. From there, I got involved in union organizing for the same union my mother had belonged to for ten years. It was the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it’s also the one I learned the most from.

What was your personal progression from being interested in politics and the issues, to being an activist and where you are today?

I think I made the leap from being interested to actually being active when I started volunteering for the Brazos Valley AIDS Clinic. I had attended a seminar about the AIDS epidemic, where an announcement was made that volunteers were needed. I went down to the clinic the very next day and started helping out.

What would you say are the primary issues concerning the state?

I think the lack of access to quality health care, rising cost of college and pending anti-voter legislation are issues that truly affect middle-class Texans. It’s extremely vital that we continue working to restore CHIP funding that Republicans slashed in the 2003 legislative session, which has left a record number of children without health insurance. And as a result of tuition deregulation, the price tag for a college education has skyrocketed over the last few years. Instead of addressing these problems, Republicans are pushing partisan voter ID legislation that will suppress voter turnout, especially among seniors, the disabled and minorities, all of whom tend to vote Democratic. It’s sad that in this day and age we are still fighting for equal voting rights, but Democrats must stand united in opposition to these kind of voter suppression efforts.

Do you have any ambition for office?

I always thought that would eventually be the goal for me, but I’ve come to realize that my role is to help get good Democrats elected. I enjoy being the person on the ground and on the frontlines, knowing that I’ve some how played a small part in America’s future.

Who are some of your political heroes?

My political heroes include John F. Kennedy Jr. for uniting our country in a time of great turmoil; Cesar Chavez for unionizing migrant workers and giving voice to Latinos; Governor Ann Richards for being a strong woman and a strong Democrat; and Congressman Chet Edwards, who I greatly admire for the leadership and integrity he brings to Congress and Texas.

What would you say has been the single most defining moment in your political life?

When my mother called me from the steps of the Texas Capitol after marching with her union to fight for better wages, health insurance and retirement benefits for state employees. I knew if she was fighting for these basic rights and I was working to get Democrats into office, then real change will happen.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

Taking back the Texas House and defeating John Cornyn in the U.S. Senate race by building our party at the county, state and national level and focusing not just on the next election cycle but the next 20, 25 or 30 years.

What would you say the political breakdown of your family is? Is it mostly Democratic or are you somewhat unique?

My family is Democratic and they consistently vote in every election.

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

Stick it out. There will be the ups and downs, elections you win and elections you lose, good legislation and bad legislation, but it is all a part of the process. And it is that process that will help them evolve into good leaders and good Democrats.

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

Three things: time, people and money. These are the three major components to any campaign or organization. They all play intricate roles, and they all directly relate to each other. The success of a campaign or political organization depends on how well you integrate and utilize all three items.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in politics?

That progress is a process. It takes time, hard work and dedication to win elections and turn a state or county blue. It is not enough that we have ideas and gimmicks, but we must have an understanding of grassroots and the follow through to make it work.