Smith County Democratic Party chairman steps down

SMTIH COUNTY — Smith County Democratic Party Chairman Hector Garza has stepped down to pursue the House District 5 candidacy and looks to replace Rep. Cole Hefner, who was first elected into the position in 2016. According to our news partner KETK, Garza announced that he will remain in the East Texas area and has officially submitted his bid for District 5, emphasizing health care and immigration policies.

After serving Smith County for two years, Garza explained why he decided to step away from his position to pursue the House District 5 candidacy. As he looks to run for House District 5 in the 2026 election, Garza said part of his motivation is to bring both parties together to resolve several state issues, including immigration.

“In today’s politics, it seems that Democrats and Republicans can’t meet anywhere to reach mutual ground that will help our communities,” Garza said. “Whether you’re left or right, it’s time that we sit down and we pass laws that will benefit the people in this state.”

Garza also spoke about the 287(g) task force program and why he believes it is negatively impacting families across the state.

“What it’s doing with the task force model is affecting families and causing a racial divide, not just in Tyler but in surrounding counties across the state,” Garza said. “We have to come up with a solution to enforce our borders and, at the same time, do something to find a mutual solution to help the people and help our economy.”

While tensions have been heightened across Smith County due to several law enforcement agencies partnering with ICE, Garza believes a compromise can be reached that benefits both sides.

” If you get the right people in there, one person who says I want to sit down and find common ground between the people and find solutions to the people’s problems,” Garza said.

Following Garza’s departure from the Smith County Democratic Party, Cam Ray has been appointed to complete his term.