Mineral Wells Area News

The Palo Pinto County Democratic Party announced a leadership transition this week, with longtime Chair Carla Schoonover Porter stepping down after nearly a decade and passing the role to Jeff Brown.

The following statement was provided by outgoing Palo Pinto County Democratic Party Chair Carla Schoonover Porter:

————————————————

For nearly a decade, I have had the honor of serving as the Democratic Chair of Palo Pinto County. When I stepped into this role, our local party was quiet, disconnected, and often overlooked in conversations about the future of Texas politics.

Over the past ten years, that changed—not because of any one person, but because of the determination of neighbors who refused to believe rural Texas should be written off.

Together, we rebuilt something real.

We grew our presence, reconnected with voters who hadn’t heard from a Democrat in years, and reminded people that their voices matter—even in a county as politically lopsided as ours. We hosted meetings, trained volunteers, supported candidates up and down the ballot, and re-established a sense of community among Democrats who once felt isolated.

Our county became part of a broader rural movement in Texas, and that is something I will always be proud of.

Over the last several years, I’ve also helped build The 134 PAC and the Rural Texas Summit—projects dedicated to uniting rural organizers across the state and giving candidates the tools they need to succeed outside the big metros. That work has grown far beyond any one county. With a statewide governor’s race ahead in 2026, I have taken on an even larger role helping build rural strategy from the ground up.

As part of this work, we also spent time thinking intentionally about the future of Palo Pinto County’s leadership. Through a thoughtful and collaborative recruitment process, we identified someone ready to step into this role and continue growing what we built. I am officially passing the baton to Jeff Brown, who will serve as the next Palo Pinto County Democratic Chair.

Jeff and I have worked together, and I am confident in his dedication, his temperament, and his understanding of the unique needs of this county. He will continue the work we began and strengthen the foundation we laid—not replace it, but build on it.

This transition is not about stepping away from engagement. My work in rural Texas continues—both locally and statewide—and I remain deeply committed to the people of Palo Pinto County. This is simply the natural next chapter: expanding leadership, widening the circle, and ensuring our county is positioned for long-term growth and stability.

To everyone who volunteered, donated, showed up to meetings, helped with filing fees, supported candidates, knocked a single door, or simply reminded someone, “Hey, there are Democrats here”—thank you. You helped build something that matters, even if it doesn’t always show up in statewide headlines.

I’m stepping down as County Chair, but I’m not stepping away. Palo Pinto County will always be part of my heart and part of the story of how rural communities are rebuilding their political voice. I look forward to continuing this work alongside Jeff and everyone who believes in the future of rural Texas.

This is not the end—it’s simply my turn to take a different seat at the table.

In solidarity,

Carla Schoonover Porter

Outgoing Palo Pinto County Democratic Party Chair