Welcome to Waco Can't Wait!

A newsletter about Waco/McLennan County (TX), State of Texas, and Federal Politics from a Progressive Perspective.

Welcome to Peter Mungiguerra’s Newsletter: Waco Can’t Wait

Hello, and welcome to my newsletter, Waco Can’t Wait. I am inviting you to be one of my first subscribers because I believe you share my vision of a bluer Waco, McLennan County, and Texas. You have taken action by making a campaign contribution, volunteering, protesting, or by taking an active interest in what is going on in our community, state, and country. I thank you for the work you’ve done, and I hope you will take this journey with me.

My Bio

If we haven’t met before, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself and what gives me any kind of authority to speak on these matters. If you already know me, feel free to scroll on to the next section!

I graduated from Baylor University as a University Scholar, concentrating in Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy. While at Baylor University, I worked as a paid campus organizer for Beto’s 2018 Senate campaign. In coordination with a diverse team of students, faculty, and off-campus volunteers, we were able to increase turnout and shift Baylor’s voting precinct 20 points to the left from Hillary Clinton’s performance.

After graduating in the Fall of 2018, I moved to Austin to work in the Texas State House for Freshman Representative Terry Meza, one of the 12 Democrats to flip a state house seat in 2018. While serving in her office, I worked on legislation concerning criminal justice reform, improving access to healthcare, and expanding voting rights. During that session, we were able to pass transformative legislation funding public education, while also stopping scores of harmful bills filed by Republicans.

In the Summer of 2019, I married my beautiful wife Bailey. We met when we were in 8th grade back in our hometown of Flower Mound, Texas, and we had been dating since October 13, 2014. She is my best friend, my partner, and (more recently) the Senior Executive Editor for this newsletter! We also have our tabby cat Cissy and our miniature schnauzer Hank.

Once the session was complete, I moved back to Waco to work for the McLennan County Democratic Party as its Executive Director. I had the opportunity to work closely with our fantastic MCDP Chairwoman Mary Duty, our precinct chairs, and the rest of the amazing volunteer team that keeps the county party running. We had big plans for 2020, but then the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

Not soon after that, I made the decision to enroll at Baylor Law starting in the Summer of 2020. It felt good to be back in the classroom, but I wanted to get back into the action and do the work of getting Democrats and Progressives elected to office. I was feeling discouraged from the pandemic and I just needed a nudge from someone to pull me back in.

That Fall, I would have the good luck to meet soon-to-be Councilwoman Kelly Palmer at a Waco Young Democrats Zoom meeting. After hearing her speak, I set up a follow-up meeting where I offered to work on her race in any volunteer capacity that I could. I soon found myself embedded in a passionate, female-led campaign as the new Field Director. In a three-way race against the incumbent Councilman and the former Councilman for this seat, Kelly prevailed with 47% of the vote.

That next Spring, I was Keith Guillory’s Campaign Manager for his successful rematch against incumbent Trustee Robin Houston. Our team ran on faith, shoe leather, and an unwavering perseverance from Keith, Tracy, their children, and amazing volunteers. Keith went from losing by 5 points in November of 2020 to winning by 19 points in May of 2021. In East Waco, Keith dominated with 97% of the vote.

Now, I am ready for the next race, serving as Precinct Chair for Precinct 3 (which includes Baylor), and doing what I can to stay involved while still being a student. I have a deep love for this community and the people that live here, and I believe our best years are ahead of us. We can continue to make progress for justice, equity, and opportunity if we continue to show up, organize, and run for office. 

This newsletter is one of the ways I would like to do my part in this effort.

Why subscribe?

In order to build sustainable political power, we need to stay informed on the issues, we need to organize, and we need to act boldly. To preserve our gains and build upon our successes, we must remain vigilant and continue to seek ways to form community.

With this newsletter, I want to create an online community of Democrats and Progressives who are looking for a different voice in this sea of Red. As vital as our local, nonpartisan news outlets are, we cannot consistently rely on them to present Progressive perspectives, or to elevate the lived experiences of those who are marginalized or who face discrimination.

Once a week, I will be providing a “Week In Review” of local, state, and federal politics, a preview of upcoming allied events in Waco/McLennan County, and my own commentary on the things that are happening. This newsletter will be a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to stay plugged in, know what is happening in our community, and find ways to elevate your activism. As it grows, I hope to provide candidate interviews, recommendations on ballot measures/candidates, and potentially create a podcast with some other local Progressives (if I feel there is sufficient demand). 

I pray you will continue to subscribe, and that you’ll be a part of this diverse, powerful coalition of change makers.