My name is Joel Montfort, and I’m a proud activist Democrat who is deeply committed to the future of our county, our communities, and our shared values. I’m running to be your next Collin County Democratic Chair because I believe in the power of grassroots organizing and the strength we have when we come together and unite for a common cause. My Democratic activism runs deep and wide. I have been working on turning Collin County Blue since the 2016 cycle. I have worked on campaigns at every level from city council to US Congress. I understand what it takes to win elections.

Texas has always been a state of opportunity, innovation, and incredible spirit. But we know that our state and our county face real challenges, especially now. From access to quality healthcare, to creating good-paying jobs, to ensuring our children get the education they deserve—these challenges require bold, compassionate, and forward-thinking leadership.

As President of Plano Area Democrats (2022 cycle) we helped Mihaela Plesa become the first Democrat elected in Collin County in two generations and flip the Plano ISD school board blue.

As the founder and former President of Richardson Area Democrats we helped turn the Richardson City Council and Richardson ISD school board blue.

As your Texas Democratic Party State Executive Committeeman for Senate District 8 I built the relationships with statewide leaders that will help me be a successful county chair.

As a Collin County Democratic Party Precinct Chair in the 2016, 2018, and 2022 cycles I know what it takes to run our county Democratic Party. As a member of the Democratic Party Activist Recruitment and Training Committee (now PC Ops) and Candidate Recruitment Committee, I built relationships with both candidates and activists to help me be a successful county chair. We’ll grow our party by giving everyone a seat at the table, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard, and making sure that every activist’s talent is harnessed.

As your Collin County Democratic Party Chair, I will work tirelessly to ensure our party remains a force for good in this community. Here’s how we’ll make that happen:

First, we’ll empower and train our volunteers and activists.

Democracy doesn’t just happen every two or four years during elections; it’s built day by day by people like you who care enough to fight for a better future. We’ll offer training programs and resources to strengthen our grassroots network and equip our volunteers with the skills they need to make a difference.

Second, we’ll support our incumbents.

It does no good to get Democrats elected, if we cannot get them re-elected. Real power comes when our incumbents know how to work the system to achieve solid results.

Third, we’ll build our Democratic bench. 

The Democrats we have elected need support from other Democrats on those boards and councils. Municipal elections are coming up in May. In order to flip Collin County Blue we need a bench of qualified Democratic candidates on our City Councils and school boards. Having a bench of elected Democrats means we will have qualified people in place to run for higher office. 

Fourth, we’ll raise the money to make that happen.

We can’t support our candidates broke. I have raised tens of thousands of dollars for RAD, PAD, and the All Hat No Cattle PAC. I have a good relationship with donors throughout the state. I will make sure our programs are funded.

Fifth, we’ll keep our focus on kitchen table issues that matter most. From expanding Medicaid and improving public education to fighting for a living wage and protecting our environment, we will advocate for policies that lift up every Texan. We’ll work to elect Democratic candidates in Collin County who share our vision and our values—candidates who will fight for working families, not special interests.

This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about us. It’s about the single mom working two jobs to support her kids and pay rent. It’s about the college student worried about affording tuition and school loans. It’s about the small business owner trying to stay afloat and the senior citizen who needs access to affordable healthcare. It’s about our future.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive community. I’m asking for your support, your time, and your belief that we can create real, meaningful change—right here in our county.

Let’s get to work. Let’s organize, mobilize, and energize. Together, we’ll make sure our voices are heard loud and clear, and we’ll keep fighting for the values that define us as Democrats.