Blue Horizon Podcast Season 3, Episode 3, Parts 1-3: An Interview with Blue Horizon Co-Founders

with Tonya Lyles

Welcome to the Blue Horizon Texas Podcast. In this three-part interview with Stephanie Phillips and Claire Barnett, we have an in-depth conversation with these Co-Executive Directors of Blue Horizon Texas.

Part 1

Stephanie and Claire share the unexpected experiences and perceived risks progressive candidates face when running for office in rural and exurban Texas. Their chance meeting gave them each invaluable support that in turn birthed an organization to support future candidates through the difficulties, risks, and threats of running in isolated red, exurban, and rural areas of Texas. They talk about issues that surprised them and the courage of the people who amazed them. Learn about their journey, what they learned along the way, and how these experiences inspired them to create Blue Horizon Texas. Enjoy!

Part 2

Claire and Stephanie continue the conversation, describing their leadership styles and the formation of Blue Horizon Texas. They speak about the similarity of their experiences, and those of dozens of other candidates, while running for office that confirmed the need of creating an organization that would make a difference for progressive candidates in rural and exurban districts. They also share their journey to 25 different small towns and counties across the state in 2023, to talk to local activists about how to run for office in a more sustainable way. These important and sometimes difficult conversations were impactful for these communities. This lead to more civic engagement and potential candidates who later filed for 2024 candidacy. 

Part 3

In this final part, Stephanie describes what it was to travel throughout rural Texas, building relationships with potential candidates and local organizations. Folks shared their discouragement with state and local politics, frustration with low voter turnout, and concern about generational gaps in civic engagement. The challenges in rural Texas became more transparent... and at the same time revealed why candidates make the decision to run anyway.

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