TX-17 Voters Can Demand Change.
Bridging the Real Divide: Why J. Gordon Mitchell is the Bipartisan Leader TX-17 Needs
In today’s political climate, the word “bipartisanship” gets tossed around so often that it’s nearly lost its meaning. Incumbent politicians like Pete Sessions are quick to claim the mantle, pointing to token gestures or hollow caucus memberships as proof that they can work “across the aisle.” But voters in Texas’s 17th Congressional District know the difference between empty rhetoric and real leadership.
If we want a future where our government actually gets things done, we need to demand more than slogans and surface-level cooperation. We need candidates who understand what true bipartisanship is—and what it is not. That’s why J. Gordon Mitchell stands out as the best choice to represent TX-17 in Congress.
What Bipartisanship Really Means (and What It Doesn’t)
To understand why J. Gordon Mitchell is the right leader for this moment, it’s important to clarify what true bipartisanship looks like. Real bipartisanship means working with people of differing viewpoints to actually solve problems—not just reaching across the aisle for show. It’s about finding common ground on issues that matter to our communities, while still respecting and defending core civil rights and liberties.
Genuine bipartisanship involves building coalitions that advance policies benefiting everyone, engaging in honest debate, and reaching principled compromises. It requires listening to the concerns of all constituents, upholding dignity, equality, and democracy, and standing firm on non-negotiable moral issues even as we seek areas of agreement.
By contrast, bipartisanship is not about hiring someone who openly opposes your values or putting personal relationships above public trust. It does not mean excusing or overlooking bigotry, misogyny, or hate in the name of “unity,” nor does it involve sacrificing civil rights for the sake of appearances. True bipartisanship never means resorting to nepotism, handing over campaign leadership to those who undermine your platform, or giving power to individuals who deny the very principles of democracy and equality. Waffling on fundamental rights is not compromise—it’s a betrayal of what matters most.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen far too many candidates fall into the traps of the latter—those who claim the bipartisan mantle but fall short when it comes to upholding our deepest values. That’s why strong, principled leadership matters now more than ever.
A Comparison
Pete Sessions and the Illusion of Bipartisanship
Let’s be clear: Pete Sessions’s record is a masterclass in Washington double-speak. He chaired the so-called DOGE Caucus, which was billed as a bipartisan group focused on government efficiency. But a closer look reveals the truth:
- Overwhelmingly Republican Membership: At its peak, the DOGE Caucus counted just 2 Democrats out of over 100 members. The rest were Republicans, handpicked to advance a specific partisan agenda.
- Token Participation: Democratic members who joined quickly left, citing frustration and lack of real input. Rep. Val Hoyle openly criticized the caucus, calling out outside interference and a lack of genuine cooperation.
- No Meaningful Compromise: The caucus’s priorities mirrored the wish list of special interests and party insiders, not the kitchen-table concerns of everyday Texans.
This isn’t bipartisanship—it’s political theater. Sessions’s brand of “cooperation” is about optics, not outcomes. It’s about checking a box, not changing lives.
The Pitfalls of Fake Bipartisanship
Why does this matter? Because fake bipartisanship doesn’t solve real problems. When politicians use the label as cover for business as usual, they erode public trust and make it harder to tackle the issues that actually unite us—like affordable health care, safe schools, and good jobs.Even worse, when candidates surround themselves with advisors or campaign managers who fundamentally oppose the values of their own party—as we’ve seen in other races recently—it sends a clear message: personal loyalty matters more than public service. That’s not coalition-building. That’s nepotism, and it’s exactly what voters are tired of.
What Real Bipartisanship Looks Like
J. Gordon Mitchell’s vision is different. He knows that true bipartisanship means:
- Listening First: Understanding the concerns of every corner of TX-17, whether rural or urban, red or blue.
- Building Coalitions: Reaching out to those who disagree and finding the areas where we can move forward together—without sacrificing core principles like equality, opportunity, and dignity for all.
- Putting People Over Politics: Standing up to special interests and party bosses alike, and putting the needs of TX-17 families first.
- Upholding Core Rights: Refusing to compromise on fundamental freedoms, like reproductive rights, civil liberties, and equal pay.
- Honest Compromise: Working across the aisle when it leads to real progress, not just political cover.
Mitchell’s approach is grounded in respect for democracy, a commitment to transparency, and a deep belief in the power of community. He knows that bipartisanship isn’t about pretending our differences don’t exist—it’s about recognizing them, respecting them, and finding the common ground that serves everyone.
Grassroots Energy: The Secret Weapon
Another thing that sets J. Gordon Mitchell apart is his connection to grassroots movements. Real bipartisanship doesn’t trickle down from the top—it bubbles up from ordinary people demanding their leaders do better.Grassroots movements amplify shared concerns, hold leaders accountable, and create the space for honest dialogue. They build bridges at the local level, where relationships matter more than party labels. And they remind us that democracy belongs to all of us—not just those with power or connections.Mitchell has spent his career listening to these voices and bringing them to the table. He knows that lasting change comes when we unite around our best values, not when we settle for the lowest common denominator.
The Case for J. Gordon Mitchell
So why is J. Gordon Mitchell the best candidate for TX-17?
- Judgment: He builds his team on merit and shared values, not nepotism or cronyism.
- Experience: He brings a track record of service, problem-solving, and coalition-building that Pete Sessions can’t match.
- Vision: He understands that bipartisanship is about results, not rhetoric.
- Integrity: He stands firm on non-negotiable issues, while always seeking ways to move forward together.
- Grassroots Commitment: He listens, learns, and leads from the ground up.
In a time when too many politicians are content with partisan games or self-serving alliances, J. Gordon Mitchell represents the real change TX-17 needs. He knows bipartisanship isn’t about selling out our values—it’s about lifting up every Texan, no matter their party, background, or belief.
You Can Make a Difference!
If you’re tired of political theater and ready for results, join the movement for real bipartisanship. Support J. Gordon Mitchell for Congress, and help bring dignity, trust, and true unity back to Washington—for TX-17, and for all of us.
Vote for leadership. Vote for unity. Vote J. Gordon Mitchell.