Historians will study Lloyd Doggett’s extraordinary career of 50-plus years in public service, fighting for progressive values. For 12 years in the Texas Senate, six years on the Texas Supreme Court, and now over 30 years in Congress, he has advocated forcefully and effectively for the causes that define Austin Democrats. But every officeholder must eventually reckon with time. If reelected, Doggett would take the oath at age 80 and finish at 82.
The Republican redistricting power grab means that the issue now isn’t whether Doggett keeps fighting – it’s when and how to pass the torch to protect the progressive movement’s future.
A year ago, Doggett urged President Biden to step aside, reminding Biden of “when Lyndon Johnson reached the painful decision to retire” (at age 60) and saying that Biden had “the opportunity to encourage a new generation of leaders.” Doggett understood that high stakes can require personal sacrifice for the greater good. As The Washington Post asked in a recent headline, “He was the first to tell Biden to step down. Now, will he?”
Doggett’s legacy will be not only the bills he’s passed, but also his leadership in this pivotal moment. The Washington Post cited Greg Casar’s “meteoric rise in the progressive movement,” noting that his colleagues voted him “chair of the more than 100 CPC members during his first term in Congress.”
Former state Sen. Wendy Davis said this: “Congress is a long game, so someone my age versus someone [Greg Casar’s] age, I felt, he would have a greater impact …. If they wind up going face to face, I hope Lloyd might go through the same analysis I went through.”
For 2026, Doggett has three possible paths – two that honor his career and one that may not. He could run again. The challenging new District 35, which Texas Tribune reported is a Trump +10 seat, is a race where Doggett’s experience, resources, and resilience give Democrats their best chance for victory. (He also could run against Mike McCaul, District 10, or Chip Roy, District 21.)
Or Doggett could retire after more than a half-century of service, giving Greg Casar a clear path in the safer District 37.
Or, lastly, Doggett could run against Casar for District 37 in an expensive, divisive primary, fracturing Austin’s progressive coalition. The choice is Doggett’s. The consequences will affect us all.
This is an appeal for Doggett to use his skills, experience, and resources where they matter most, to protect a progressive future in Central Texas.
Any Democrat in new District 35 will need massive funding and the ability to win in hostile territory. Doggett has both. He previously won in four different Austin congressional districts – districts 10, 25, 35, and 37. He has $6 million in campaign funds and recently said he wants to use his funds to “help others in Texas and across the country …”
Greg Casar, by contrast, was a popular Austin City Council member, and developed a loyal Austin base and a strong ground game. Those resources don’t help much in a new congressional district outside of Austin. He currently has a fraction of Doggett’s $6 million. With less funding, in the non-Austin district, Casar would be at a distinct disadvantage compared to Doggett.
As congressional Democratic Progressive Caucus chair, Casar has emerged as a dynamic, nationally acclaimed Democratic leader. His future is bright; he has great potential as a progressive advocate – if he is reelected.
Time overtakes all leaders, regardless of their intellect and accomplishments. Tragic recent examples include President Biden, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Reps. Sylvester Turner and Gerry Connolly, and beloved Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
This isn’t about pushing Doggett out. It’s simply an appeal for him to use his skills, experience, and resources where they matter most, to protect a progressive future in Central Texas.
Waging a strong battle in District 35 would be a fitting capstone to Doggett’s courageous career. Retirement, too, would carry honor and adulation – an act of statesmanship, just as he encouraged for President Biden. But ending the congressional career of an exceptional young congressional leader like Greg Casar would unavoidably cast a shadow over Doggett’s otherwise shining legacy.
This op-ed was co-authored by Ginny Agnew, former president, Central Austin Democrats; Aimee Cunningham, political activist and donor; Wendy Davis, former Texas state senator; Chuck Herring, former chair, Travis County Democratic Party; Donna Beth McCormick, former president, Texas Democratic Women; and Glen Maxey, former Texas state representative.
This article appears in August 22 • 2025.