The third Democratic presidential debate of the 2020 campaign takes place Thursday night in Houston at Texas Southern University. Many of the 10 contenders who will be on stage have already made multiple visits to Houston in recent months. It’s hardly unusual for candidates, even Democrats, to come to Houston for fundraisers. But these men and women have been coming for town hall-style events and rallies. And they’re giving every sign they think they can win not only the city, but Texas itself – a state that hasn’t gone to a Democrat for president since Jimmy Carter won in 1976.
Democratic Debate Highlights Texas’ Potential Status As 2020 Swing State
Texas has gone Republican in every presidential election since 1980. Candidates at tonight’s debate at TSU are making the case they can snap that streak.

Michael Zamora/NPR
Democratic candidates on stage in Detroit ahead of the July 30 debate. Some of the candidates above have since dropped out or did not qualify for tonight’s debate