Fired-up Democratic candidates are bringing their primary election excitement to the Polk County Democratic Summer Celebration June 18 at the Polk County Commerce Center located at 1017 US 59 North Loop in Livingston. “Neighbors in Action” is the theme of the event that starts at 6 p.m.
“This theme is about people helping people. We believe strong communities are built on compassion, respect and looking out for one another,” Democratic Club of Polk County President Dick Burr said. “We welcome those who share these values.”
Democrats gathering for this 4th annual Summer Celebration fundraiser will hear Texas Agriculture Commissioner Candidate Clayton Tucker, 10th District Congressional Candidate Caitlin Rourk and local County Clerk Candidate Ida Bencomo. Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate James Talarico will address the group via video.
Talarico is running his campaign on a legislative record which he portrays as being “for the people” and against “corruption.” His campaign highlights House Bill 82 that caps the cost of insulin at $25 per month, a bill which he helped pass after his first-hand experience with paying $684 per month for his own insulin.
Rourk, a veteran, is seeking to represent Polk County in the U.S. Congress from District 10, which, as a result of redistricting, extends from Polk County to downtown Austin. She presents herself as a strong advocate for infrastructure issues, Texas public schools and insurance coverage for pre-existing health conditions.
Tucker, a rancher and former teacher, is seeking to become agriculture commissioner, the head of a state agency that touches the lives of Texans every day, from gas measurements at the pump, scanners at the supermarket and the price and quality of meat, eggs and other grocery items. His campaign says he is focused on how food and agriculture monopolies negatively impact the lives of Texans.
Bencomo, a local digital services business owner, is running a campaign of “service and trust.” She says she spends her days “helping people make sense of systems, stay organized and get things done accurately and on time” and that she wants to bring this operational management to the county clerk’s office.
This event is co-sponsored by the Democratic Club of Polk County and the Polk County Democratic Party. In addition to dinner and speeches, the evening will feature a cake auction and a silent auction. Incoming Democratic Party Chair Carolyn Bischoff said, “This is a chance to connect with neighbors, support our candidates and help build a better future by supporting the values that Democrats stand for.”
Tickets for the event are $50 each and may be obtained through the ActBlue link: secure.actblue.com/donate/polkdems2026, while they last.
