Empowering Texans: A Candid Conversation with Daniel Betts on Civic Engagement

A Conversation on Civic Participation: Daniel Betts for Texas Congressional District 21

Vote Like A Texan continues its mission to make Texas elections more transparent and accessible with a new episode featuring Daniel Betts, a candidate for Texas Congressional District 21 and a longtime community leader.

Hosted by Justin McKenzie of The Building Texas Show, the conversation focuses on the real-world challenges Texans face when trying to engage in the civic process—and what can be done to strengthen participation, trust, and accountability across the state. Rather than soundbites, Betts offers a thoughtful discussion grounded in community experience, voter access, and long-term civic responsibility.

Throughout the interview, Betts addresses barriers to voter participation, the role technology can play in improving engagement, and the importance of restoring confidence in public institutions. His perspective reflects a broader concern shared by many Texans: as communities grow and change, civic systems must evolve to remain accessible, transparent, and responsive.

Local Leadership and Civic Responsibility

A central theme of the episode is the impact local leadership has on the health of democracy. Betts outlines how disengagement at the community level can shape long-term outcomes and why improving voter participation requires more than election-year messaging. He emphasizes collaboration between community organizations, business leaders, and public institutions as a practical path toward higher engagement and stronger trust.

The conversation also highlights the importance of year-round civic involvement. Betts encourages Texans to stay informed, participate locally, and understand how decisions made at every level of government affect their daily lives. The message is clear: a functioning democracy depends on consistent participation, not just turnout on Election Day.

Why This Episode Matters

Texas is growing faster than almost any state in the nation. With that growth comes increased interest in who is running for office and what they stand for. Vote Like A Texan was created to meet that moment—giving voters a searchable, nonpartisan platform to hear directly from candidates in their own words.

This episode with Daniel Betts reflects that mission. It provides voters with context, clarity, and direct access to a candidate’s views without filters or talking points. As Texans increasingly turn to YouTube, podcasts, and AI-powered search tools to learn about local races, these conversations play a critical role in how candidates and issues are discovered.

The full interview is available on Vote Like A Texan on YouTube, with audio versions accessible on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

Vote Like A Texan, hosted by The Building Texas Show, exists to help Texans make informed decisions by hearing directly from the people asking for their vote. As this conversation with Daniel Betts makes clear, civic engagement is not abstract—it is local, ongoing, and shaped by the willingness of citizens to stay involved.

Texans are invited to watch, listen, and subscribe to Vote Like A Texan to stay informed as election season continues across the state.