ShaCamree Gowdy says her article claiming Houston is the rightful (unofficial) capital of Texas on Chron.com is “no shade or anything to Dallas or to San Antonio… and not even Austin.”
Her piece is in direct response to a message from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. He recently told a group of journalists: “I have news for Harris County, you’re not the capital of Texas.”
Patrick was specifically referencing to new legislation aimed at curtailing local actions taken by Harris County and other parts of the state in the lead-up to the 2020 election to make voting safer and more accessible due to the coronavirus pandemic. But Gowdy wanted to challenge Patrick’s assertion.
“I feel like I had to defend Houston because he called out Houston specifically,” Gowdy said. “You know, he was specifically naming Harris County leaders. And so, you know, when you do that, Houston is all about helping Houston and standing up for Houston. So when you come for Houston, you know, we have to come back for you.”
Gowdy’s article lays out arguments for Houston’s importance in the state, including its position as a medical hub and its cultural diversity.
“I just feel like, overall, Houston is just what most people think of when they hear Texas,” Gowdy said.
Gowdy says her article is supposed to be lighthearted and funny but that she could also make a larger argument that Texas officials should not discount the specific needs of urban centers.
She also points out Houston was, temporarily, the capital of Texas in the 1830s. And, she says, it’s the hometown of a certain icon.
“Listen,” Gowdy said. “I’m not saying…”
