Meet Your Candidates

The March 6 primaries are right around the corner and dozens of left-leaning candidates are running to unseat long-term Republican incumbents at state and national levels (looking at you, Lamar Smith). In Austin, local races are kicking off as well, and suffice to say: We've got elections on the mind.

Because a lot's riding on November’s midterms (on March 6, voters will cast their ballot to nominate one candidate from each political party for the final run this fall), we figured readers might want a chance to meet the people asking for your vote. Below you’ll find a handful of upcoming meet-and-greets with a wide array of candidates, so getcher planners out and start taking notes.

Beers for Beto:

An opportunity to learn more about Ted Cruz’s challenger in the Senate during this public viewing party (and read Mary Tuma’s interview with Beto O'Rourke). 21 and up.

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2-3:30pm, at the Liberty; 1-4pm, at St. Elmo Brewing Company.

An Afternoon With Dyana Limon-Mercado:

Meet with one of two Travis County Democratic Party Chair candidates: Dyana Limon-Mercado. Snacks and discounted beers. 21 and up only.

Saturday, Jan. 13, 4-6pm, at the White Horse.

Mayor Adler’s Re-election Campaign Kickoff:

Sure, you’ve had three years to “get to know” Steve Adler as Austin’s 52nd mayor, but here's your chance to learn a bit more about what he considers his achievements and hear his goals for the next four years if he’s elected back. Come for the info, stay for the band (Dawn & Hawkes), food, and drinks.

Sunday, Jan. 14, 2-4pm, at Saengerrunde Hall. RSVP.

TCDP County Chair Candidate Forum: Learn more about Dyana Limon-Mercado and Anne Wynne, the two candidates for Travis County Democratic Party Chair. Hosted by Our Revolution, LUTU, PDA-CenTEX, and the Austin Justice Coalition.

Sunday, Jan. 14, 4-6pm, at IBEW Local 520.

Sanctuary Cities: On-the-Ground Impact:

While not technically a candidate meet-and-greet, this discussion on sanctuary cities will give attendees a chance to learn more about Lupe Valdez, Democratic candidate for Governor, who will be participating in the conversation.

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6:30-7:30pm, LBJ Library and Museum.

Texas Tribune Talks With Lupe Valdez: The former Dallas County sheriff is one of several Democratic candidates hoping to oppose Gov. Greg Abbott in November. Learn about her extensive career.

Thursday, Jan. 18, 7:30-9am, at the Capital Factory (or watch online). RSVP.

TX10 Candidate Meet and Greet:

Meet the liberals hoping to run against Republican Congressman Michael McCaul in November. Confirmed candidates: Tawana Cadien, Richie DeGrow, Madeline Eden, Matt Harris, Kevin Nelson, Mike Siegel, and Tami Walker.

Saturday, Jan. 27, 2-5pm, at Scholz Garten.

Rainey Street Candidate Meet-N-Greet:

Rainey Street Dems host a meet-and-greet with a (long) list of liberal candidates including two Governor hopefuls (Dr. Demetria Smith and Tom Wakely), Michael Cooper (running for Lt. Gov.), and four folks looking to take down Congressman Lamar Smith in D21 (Derrick Crowe, Joseph Kopser, Elliott McFadden, and Mary Wilson). Plus two locals vying for Travis County Commissioner Precinct 4: incumbent Margaret Gómez and her challenger Susanna Woody. See Facebook for the full list of RSVPs.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 6-8pm, at Half Step.

The last day to register to vote is Feb. 5 and early voting runs from Feb. 20 through March 2. Translation: You have six to eight weeks to learn who’s running, what they’re running for, and vote for your favorite candidates. To help make those decisions, stay up-to-date on all of our election coverage at austinchronicle.com/elections. The Chronicle’s news team is currently scheduling endorsement meetings. Look for our thoughts on local candidates in the Feb. 9 issue, and see our full list of Civics events on the calendar.