By Philip Cortez
Today Mayor Julian Castro will be making history when he delivers the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Whether you are Democrat, Republican or Independent, it is important to watch as San Antonio and the state of Texas are showcased on a national stage. It is estimated that over 30 million people will be watching as Mayor Castro speaks about important issues impacting all Americans.
A mayor of a city has never given the keynote address, and residents of the city and surrounding parts should take pride in knowing that one of our own is ensuring San Antonio is on the minds of everyone for the duration of the convention and the presidential campaign.
To add to the historic nature of Mayor Castro delivering the keynote address, this will be the first time a Latino will deliver this important speech. Latinos are going to play a huge role in the outcome of the November presidential election, and both major parties recognize this and are attempting to address issues important to this growing constituency.
When Mayor Castro speaks, it is important that students of Texas A&M-San Antonio tune in to watch history in the making. Having a home-grown San Antonian deliver the keynote address may not happen again for sometime…or even in our lifetime.
Philip Cortez is a political science adjunct in the School of Arts & Sciences. This fall he is teaching POLS 4370, Special Topics: Campaigns and Elections. Cortez is running for Texas State Representative in District 117, the district where he was born and raised. Bio
