Vote Like A Texan, a new statewide election-year media initiative, has officially launched this week as hundreds of Texas candidates enter races across the state. The platform allows candidates to schedule virtual interviews that will be distributed nationally and optimized for voter search and discovery. Hosted by Justin McKenzie of The Building Texas Show, the initiative aims to address what McKenzie identified as a growing need for accessible, trustworthy information about local leaders.
"As Texas communities grow, school boards set priorities, and city councils vote on ordinances that impact daily life, it's more important than ever for voters to hear directly from the individuals seeking to lead," said McKenzie. "I saw the opportunity to create a platform where every candidate — from local offices to statewide positions — can share their message in a searchable format that voters can easily find whether they're using ChatGPT, AI tools, or Google." The platform's approach reflects how voters increasingly seek information through various digital channels.
Each participating candidate receives a dedicated virtual podcast episode and a supporting press release, allowing them to articulate their vision in their own words. The episodes are structured specifically for discoverability, ensuring that when Texans search for information about local races or candidates, they'll find clear, thoughtful interviews designed to inform and inspire participation. This method addresses a critical gap in voter education, particularly for down-ballot races that often receive less media attention.
McKenzie's experience hosting The Building Texas Show, which features conversations with elected officials, business leaders, and Texans shaping the state's future, informed the development of Vote Like A Texan. Through these discussions, he observed that Texans want reliable information about the people making decisions in their communities. The initiative's straightforward mission is to educate, inform, and encourage Texans to vote in primaries, run-offs, and the November general election. More information about the platform can be found at https://votelikeatexan.com.
The launch of Vote Like A Texan comes at a crucial time as Texas continues to experience significant population growth and political evolution. By providing a centralized, searchable repository of candidate interviews, the platform could potentially increase voter engagement and knowledge about local elections. This matters because informed voting is fundamental to democratic participation, and local elections often have the most direct impact on community issues like schools, infrastructure, and public safety. The initiative represents an innovative approach to political communication in an era where voters increasingly rely on digital tools for information gathering.
