Integrity First: How We Navigate Primary Passion and General Election Reality

As Democrats in McKinney and surrounding areas, we wear many hats. We are activists, volunteers, neighbors, and voters. But above all, we are people who believe that government can be a force for good, provided it is led by people of character. In a political landscape that often feels dominated by noise and extremism, the concept of integrity is our North Star.

But what does it mean to have integrity in politics? It means aligning our actions with our values, even when it’s difficult. And nowhere is that difficulty more palpable than during primary season.

The Beauty of the Primary: Choosing Our Champions

Right now, we are in the thick of primary season. This is the most empowering time of the election cycle. This is the moment we get to be idealists.

The primary is designed for disagreement. It is the one time where it is not only okay to disagree with your friends, your family, or your usual precinct mates, it is expected. We are essentially holding a team tryout. We watch the candidates, we scrutinize their records, and we decide who best represents our personal vision for the future.

If you feel passionately about a specific candidate, pour your energy into them. Knock on doors, make calls, and donate. This is where your personal values should guide you without apology. It is an act of integrity to fight for the person you believe in during the primary.

The Morning After: The General Election Reality

However, election night in March is a transition point. When the primary concludes, the nature of our democracy changes. We move from being a collection of individual factions supporting specific candidates to being a coalition supporting a shared goal: responsible governance.

Does this mean you have to fall in love with every candidate who made it through the primary? Absolutely not. We cannot fake enthusiasm, and we should never ask anyone to compromise their moral compass.

Here is where we need to be honest with ourselves about how we use our political energy. We often hear the phrase "vote blue no matter who." While the sentiment is rooted in unity, it can sometimes feel like a demand to check our conscience at the door.

Protecting Your Integrity While Strengthening the Team

You do not need to be a cheerleader for a candidate you feel lukewarm about. If a nominee doesn't inspire you, or if you have serious reservations about their platform, you are not required to devote your weekend to phone banking or knocking on doors for them.

But here is the crucial distinction: Not supporting a specific candidate does not mean sitting out the election.

If you find yourself unable to support the top of the ticket or a particular local race with enthusiasm, look down the ballot. Use that energy you would have spent holding your nose and redirect it toward the candidates who do make you proud.

Are there House District or Senate District candidates who energize you?

Is there a judicial candidate whose integrity is unimpeachable?

By shifting your focus, you are practicing political integrity. You are refusing to waste energy on negativity, and instead, you are putting muscle behind the Democrats who reflect the best of who we are.

The McKinney Mandate

Here in McKinney, we are in a unique position. We are a growing, diversifying community. We have the potential to flip seats and change the direction of our government. To do that, we need a big tent.

We need the passionate progressive who will fight for the environment, and the moderate who prioritizes fiscal responsibility and infrastructure. We need them to argue fiercely in the spring, and then show up to the polls together in the fall.

We don't have to agree on everything to agree that McKinney deserves leaders who tell the truth, respect the rule of law, and serve the people, not special interests.

So, go ahead. Fight for your favorite in the primary. Feel those feelings of disappointment or triumph when it’s over. Then, take a breath. Look at the ballot. Find the candidates who reflect your integrity, vote for them, and help them win.

That is how we build a better McKinney, not by demanding perfection from everyone, but by demanding participation from ourselves.

In solidarity,

Erin Sutka

President