The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

Senate hopeful Beto O’Rourke hosts Dallas rally day before election with special guest, Kelly Rowland

Beto+and+Kelly+Rowland+event+picture+Photo+credit%3A+Michelle+Aslam
Beto and Kelly Rowland event picture Photo credit: Michelle Aslam

On Monday Nov 5 at 1 p.m., the day before the Tuesday Nov 6 midterm elections, Senate Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke held a rally at Dallas’ Magnolia hotel with special guest Kelly Rowland.

Singer and Houston native, Kelly Rowland, introduced O’Rourke on stage. She claimed to be “starstruck” by his presence, and emphasized how important the election was for her as a mother. “I’m here on behalf of my son,” she said, as she thanked people for their support of O’Rourke.

Rowland is one of many celebrities who have shown their support for O’Rourke, including LeBron James and Willie Nelson. This monumental race has garnered national attention and inspired record breaking voter turnout. More than four million Texans voted early, already exceeding the total number of voters in the 2014 election. Young people, who historically have low turnout, are up by 500 percent since the last midterm election.

“We will not be known for the pettiness, and the partisanship, and the meanness that defines so much of the national conversation right now,” O’Rourke said of his campaign. Instead, he highlights that his campaign was one of cooperation and community. “We have decided at this very divided, highly polarized moment in this country’s history, that we will come together,” O’Rourke said.

“We have decided at this very divided, highly polarized moment in this country’s history, that we will come together.”

Over the past 20 months, O’Rourke has made it a point to visit each one of the 254 counties in Texas. He held town halls and spoke with the people he wishes to represent. “At every stop, every town hall, every visit that we’ve had, you have inspired me,” he said, acknowledging the passion and dedication of his supporters despite widespread political distrust and apathy.

Just a day before the election, O’Rourke’s campaign was still hard at work to inspire as much voter turnout as possible. He stressed the importance of old-school canvassing, and how effective knocking on doors was to inspire turn out. “It’s what this campaign has been all about since day one,” he said. “We have the chance of our lifetimes to decide the election of our lifetimes tomorrow.”

“We have the chance of our lifetimes to decide the election of our lifetimes tomorrow.”

A hopeful O’Rourke said, “Together, we will be celebrating the victory of a lifetime.”

Find more information on voting, or your local polling place here.

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