03/14/2025
Bently Paiz, a longtime activist and former president and founder of the Guada-Coma Progressive Coalition, has suspended his campaign for mayor of New Braunfels. In a scathing statement, Paiz condemned both local and national political leadership, calling out the failures of those in power—Democrats and Republicans alike—to enact meaningful change.
“The truth is, the people in power—on both sides—are not interested in fixing anything,” Paiz stated. “They are interested in maintaining the illusion of resistance while making sure nothing ever really changes.”
Paiz, who has been a vocal advocate for working-class communities, has long criticized the unchecked influence of corporate developers in New Braunfels and the city’s failure to embrace its Hispanic heritage. His activism has made him a controversial figure, particularly as he has challenged the growing disparities between longtime residents and wealthier newcomers.
The statement has resonated with many in New Braunfels and beyond, reflecting a widespread frustration with the direction of both local governance and state politics. Despite this, neither local nor state Democratic leaders have addressed Paiz’s message, even as the majority of their base shares the same disillusionment. Their silence only underscores a reality that many progressives have pointed out for years: that those in power, regardless of party, have little interest in challenging the status quo.
Beyond his campaign, Paiz has built a reputation as an outspoken and relentless advocate for his community. He played a crucial role in launching multiple initiatives aimed at assisting low-income families, improving infrastructure, and pushing back against powerful interests that he claims have put profit over people in New Braunfels. As the founder and former president of the Guada-Coma Progressive Coalition, he worked to address longstanding inequalities in local policies, push for increased investment in historically neglected neighborhoods, and advocate for policies that prioritize the working class.
The statement announcing his campaign’s suspension makes clear that his fight for change is far from over. While his departure from the mayor’s race has sparked concerns about the direction of New Braunfels’ political future, it has also ignited a broader conversation about the state of progressive politics in Texas. If the reaction to Paiz’s words is any indication, the hunger for real change is greater than many had assumed—but without action from leadership, that hope may continue to fade.
