By Claude Cummings, Jr.

Here’s some good news. The Democratic Party that is now emerging from the catastrophe of the Trump presidency looks like America. It is energized by a coalition of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, fair-minded Anglos and new young voters. Democratic values are grounded in the American dream – opportunity for all, respect for hard work, protecting workers rights, civil rights and human rights, and restoring the pathway to education and economic reward that each person deserves no matter their background.

So, if the Democratic Party looks like America and shares American values, doesn’t it make sense that the city hosting the 2020 Democratic Convention resemble and reflect the Democratic Party? Follow that simple logic and the choice is easy – Houston, Texas.

Houston’s diversity is far more than a ranking in national publications – it’s seen in its politics, world-class science and health facilities, modern transportation, and thriving arts and entertainment scenes – all assets that contribute not just to a great a convention, but also shows America at its best.

The 2018 election cycle in Houston is a virtual roadmap for how Democrats build a coalition to return responsible and accountable leadership to our nation. Democrats swept every county-wide election and took control of the county commissioners court. The court is now by led by County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a brilliant young woman who was born in Colombia. She is joined by a diverse group of leaders, including 17 African American women who were elected as district judges. These new leaders, along with Houston’s outstanding African American Mayor Sylvester Turner, are part of a local leadership team that all Americans can look to with pride.

Democrats are on the rise statewide too. In 2016, there was virtually no investment by national Democrats in the presidential race in Texas, yet Hillary Clinton did better in the Lone Star State than in Ohio and other states where millions were spent in every presidential election going back decades.

In the 2018 election, Texas Democrats made big gains. Beto O’Rourke came within a whisper of winning a U.S. Senate seat. We picked up two congressional seats – one of them in Houston. Two crucial State Senate seats were won, and Democrats captured twelve State House seats, closing within just nine seats of a majority.

It’s no overstatement to call the Houston metropolitan area the cornerstone for national political realignment. Big, consistent Democratic wins in the Houston region will drive Democratic victories statewide. When Texas delivers its 38 electoral votes to Democrats, the path for Donald Trump or any other Republican hits a hard dead-end.

And, when it comes to a convention experience for delegates to enjoy and the nation to behold, Houston brings unique, world-class qualities. Entertainment – what other city can claim hometown talent like Beyoncé and the Astros? Science and learning - Houston is the home of NASA and some of our country’s finest universities. Healthcare – Houston is a center for healing and medical research that starts with MD Anderson.

Houston brings something else that few past Democratic Conventions have offered: convenience! Every hotel is centrally located and no more than five miles and a few minutes from the convention facilities. The Toyota Center and the Convention Center are literally next to each other. There will be no long bus rides from outlying airport hotels that have typified many convention venues. Houston’s light rail system ties into a mass transit plan that works for locals and for visitors.

Just as important, Houston is a place where people come to work, and our workforce at all the convention facilities and convention hotels is labor-organized. Houston is a friendly working- class city where organized labor is active, visible and respected.

As a labor leader, lifelong Democrat and a proud Houstonian, I wear a lot of hats. I carry the vibrance and energy of Houston into ever mission I take on within our community, around my state and across the country. Let’s bring the 2020 Democratic Convention to Houston so that our party and all Americans can enjoy and share in the wonderful qualities of Houston, Texas.