As a proud Texas businessman and longtime Republican, I believe that our best days are ahead of us—but only if we come together to seize the opportunities before us. Texas is at a pivotal moment, and our shared future depends on embracing civility and bipartisanship to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Now, more than ever, we must prioritize people over politics and rediscover the cooperative spirit that has made Texas an economic powerhouse.
In the words of President Donald Trump during his acceptance speech Tuesday night, “The best is yet to come.” This isn’t just a hopeful slogan; it’s a call to action for every Texan. Our state thrives when we focus on solutions, not divisions. Texans are a resilient and hardworking people, and the vast majority of us aren’t polarized ideologues. We’re neighbors, parents, business owners, and community leaders working toward a common goal: a stronger, more prosperous Texas.
Too often, political discourse is dominated by extremes that misrepresent who we are as a people. The media amplifies the loudest voices, turning our political arena into a battlefield rather than a space for constructive dialogue. But we know better. Texans have always valued common sense and practical problem-solving. We believe in building bridges, not walls—whether between political parties, communities, or nations.
Our trade relationship with Mexico, for example, is a cornerstone of Texas’ economic success. Policies that jeopardize this partnership don’t just harm businesses; they threaten livelihoods on both sides of the border. It’s a stark reminder that short-sighted decisions have far-reaching consequences. To safeguard our prosperity, we need leaders who are committed to thoughtful, bipartisan policymaking.
But unity doesn’t mean uniformity. It means respecting our differences while finding common ground. It means recognizing that we all have a role to play in shaping our future. We’ve all experienced disagreements with family or friends, yet those relationships endure because they’re rooted in mutual respect and love. Our political discourse should be no different.
Texas has a long history of neighborly support and collaboration. This legacy of cooperation must extend to our political leaders, who have a duty to set the tone for civil discourse. No matter the outcome of an election, Texas is home to both Democrats and Republicans. Each side must recognize that governing requires cooperation, not just from party leaders but from everyone in our communities. If one side reacts to a loss with outrage or attempts at retribution, or if the other doubles down on extreme policy promises, the cycle of division only deepens.
Some may argue that civility is an outdated concept in today’s polarized climate. I disagree. Change is possible when we commit to intentional action—when we listen to understand rather than to respond, when we seek common ground rather than points of contention. It’s time to turn down the volume on the extremism and focus on practical solutions that benefit all Texans.
We all have family or friends with differing beliefs, but rather than letting these differences divide us, we should seek out the common values that unite us. For me, as a Catholic, I’m guided by a deep respect for humanity and the understanding that people should come first. Texans have a history of neighborly support and cooperation; it’s a legacy that must extend to our political discourse.
In Texas, we need to encourage our leaders to bridge divides, recognizing that our shared future is more important than the differences that separate us. It’s time for us to turn down the volume on the extremism and focus on the practical issues that affect every Texan, regardless of their politics Let’s move forward united in purpose and grounded in the civility and bipartisanship that have long defined the Texas way. Together, we can ensure that Texas continues to lead the way for generations to come.
Massey Villarreal is Chairman of the Texas Association of Business.
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