Hank Gilbert

TYLER, Texas—In what he calls “the moment of truth in this race,” Hank Gilbert has called on his opponent Hector Garza to denounce SDEC Member Nancy Nichols, publicly decline her previously published endorsement, and call upon her to resign, following international news exposure giving exposure to racist comments Nichols has admitted to making.

“I call on Hector Garza to publicly denounce Nancy Nichols, return every penny in campaign contributions he may have taken from her—and from groups and individuals Nichols is associated with—renounce her endorsement, and demand she resign from the State Democratic Executive Committee immediately,” Gilbert, a candidate for Smith County Democratic Party chairman said.

“This is the moment of truth in this race—will Hector Garza do the right thing and renounce his handler, or won’t he,” Gilbert asked.

“Hector Garza and his allies have dared to stoop to the lowest possible level to call me racist during the course of this campaign. Let’s see to whom Black lives really matter, Hector. When will we see you fully renounce Nancy Nichols?” Gilbert asked.

The incident in question involving Nichols was detailed late Wednesday in an exclusive by Axios, an international news magazine. Axios reported Nichols called North Tyler, the historically black section of Tyler, “the chocolate part of town,” in written remarks during a digital Democratic Party event. Nichols did not deny making the comments, and later issued a bizarre and disjointed written apology. The chair of the Texas Democratic Party, Gilberto Hinojosa, has publicly called on Nichols to resign her post.

Nichols previously endorsed Hector Garza in his race for Smith County Democratic Party Chair.

Gilbert also noted that Nichols is heavily involved and a controlling force in the Smith County Democratic Club, and has endorsed and spent money on Garza’s race.

Gilbert has the endorsement of numerous Democratic Party officials, former officials, and labor union advocates. He is also endorsed by Carroll Robinson, chair of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats.

Don’t forget that early voting continues this week!

Click the link below to find polling places and opening times:

https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/elections/current-election-information

Just a reminder that you can vote until 4 PM TODAY in the Smith County Democratic Primary. I’d appreciate your vote.

Vote today at ANY of these locations:

The HUB @ 304 E. Ferguson St., Tyler, TX 75702

Heritage Building @ 1900 Bellwood Rd., Tyler, TX 75701

Lindale Masonic Lodge @ 200 W. Margaret St., Lindale, TX 75771

Noonday Community Center @ 16662 CR 196, Tyler, TX 75703

Whitehouse United Methodist Church @ 405 W. Main St., Whitehouse, TX 75791