The Logistics of Leadership: How CCYR Hosted a Successful TX AG Debate

Collin County Young Republicans knocked it out of the park by hosting a successful Texas Attorney General Debate featuring Joan Huffman, Mayes Middleton, and Aaron Reitz on February 4th, 2026 in Plano.

Pre-Event Promotion

As a volunteer who manages Collin County Young Republicans’ newsletters, I had a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes planning two months prior.  Given the scale of the event, an extensive promotional campaign was required.  While Chairwoman Shelby Johnston advertised with daily Instagram stories, shared the event on Collin County Young Republicans Unofficial Facebook Group page and arranged six sponsors:

•  Michael Slaughter for Collin County Commissioner Pct 2

• Ringel & Brymer, PLLC

• Shrader Promotions LLC

• Plano Citizens Coalition

• A Better Texas

• Plano Republican Women

My role was to help create the Eventbrite page for ticket registrations with VIP promo codes followed by multiple email reminders up to the day of the debate.

Collin County Young Republicans rented the entire venue, Mic Drop Comedy Club in Plano, Texas.  Collin County Young Republicans signage was placed in front of the venue and at the check-in table.  Tables were reserved for VIPs and sponsors.

VIP Reception

Doors opened at 5:30pm for the VIP Reception for a meet & greet with the Attorney General Candidates.  Huffman, Middleton, and Reitz walked around the room introducing themselves.

Attendees included local elected officials, candidates, Collin County GOP clubs, and I noticed people from Dallas County also attended.

One observation I notice at meet & greet receptions is that it’s not always possible for candidate(s) to greet every attendee because he or she can be tied up in a conversation with passionate voters.

While everyone was mingling, the campaign staff for each candidate displayed literature on all the tables alongside Mic Drop Comedy sign-up forms.

Campaign staff placed AG candidate literature on all the tables.

Debate 

Hayden Padgett, Chairman of the National Federation of Young Republicans, kicked off the debate at 7pm.

Debate kickoff by Hayden Padgett

A Better Texas President Chris Klement extended his gratitude to the event sponsors, the Collin County Young Republicans (hosts), and the Plano Republican Women (volunteers).  Each candidate was allotted two-minutes of opening remarks. Congressman Chip Roy submitted a pre-recorded message shared on the TVs.

Opening remarks

Moderator Chris Klement asked the candidates to each answer notable questions:

• What is it about your own experience that makes you the most qualified candidate for AG?

• What would be your top 3 priorities if you take office on day one?

• How would you defend federal overreach even if you disagree with a Republican president?

• How would you combat the reality of human trafficking?

•  What is your plan to enforce the act and protect TX critical infrastructure? (Ban China from buying TX Land) Referring to the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act-(passed Sept 2025)

• How would your office balance discriminatory actions and religious freedom? (Referring to EPIC 4211 Legislation passed by State Rep. Candy Noble)

• How would you work to strengthen the AG’s enforcement of child support?

Candidates delivered energized two-minute responses, strictly timed by Hayden Padgett to ensure fairness. The format also included a provision for candidates to respond directly to their opponents' remarks. The debate concluded at 8:30pm.

Collin County Young Republicans’ first event of 2026 was well-organized with careful attention to detail.  Again, the signage posted by the front door of Mic Drop Comedy helped point everyone to the right direction.  I loved that CCYR arranged for Plano Police to keep guard.  It was also smart planning to have a professional photographer using flash photography to capture high quality pictures in a dark-lit venue.