Harris County residents will have a rare opportunity to converse directly with candidates running for state, county and judicial offices on Oct. 15. The virtual open house, scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., will feature 18 candidates who are seeking election on Nov. 3.
Who is organizing the event?
The forum is a joint effort by the Howard University Alumni Club of Houston (HUAC‑Houston) and a coalition of community groups, including the Urban League of Texas, Houston Area Urban League, CAIR Texas, CAIR Action, LULAC Council 60 and the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice. In a press release, HUAC‑Houston President Cris Wright emphasized that the event is designed to keep voters civically engaged despite busy schedules.
What voters can expect
Before the candidate conversations begin, participants will receive a brief “Civics 101” overview that explains the responsibilities of each office. The format allows attendees to move freely between virtual rooms, ask questions in real time and hear each candidate’s priorities. Wright noted that the online setting mimics the comfort of a home gathering, making it easier for people who might not travel across town after work.
All invited candidates have agreed to join without any participation fees, fundraising requirements, endorsements or ideological screenings, ensuring a level playing field for voters to hear unfiltered viewpoints.
Candidate lineup
- Dana De Van Walker – Texas State Board of Education
- Gene Wu – Texas House District 137
- Letitia Plummer – Harris County Judge
- … (additional candidates listed in the release)
The full roster includes candidates for a range of positions, from school board seats to county commissioners, giving residents a comprehensive snapshot of the upcoming ballot.
Why this matters for Harris County voters
Early voting for the general election begins Oct. 19, so the Oct. 15 forum arrives at a critical moment for voters who are still deciding which candidates best represent their values and concerns. By offering a free, accessible platform, the organizers aim to lower barriers to participation and encourage informed voting, especially among families and working‑class residents who may lack time for in‑person events.
“People are busy. People are tired,” Wright said. “Many intelligent people think they don’t do politics, but they simply haven’t had the chance to understand the process.” The virtual format seeks to change that narrative by bringing the election conversation directly into homes.
How to join
Anyone interested can RSVP through the event’s online portal. No registration fee is required, and the link will be shared via the participating organizations’ social‑media channels and email newsletters. The event is open to the public, and participants will be able to switch between candidate rooms at will.
With the election only weeks away, the Harris County virtual candidate forum represents a proactive step toward greater civic participation, reinforcing the community’s commitment to informed, faith‑guided voting and strong family values.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
