From Austin Camping Ban to Reaching Working-Class Voters

At the age of 29, while serving on the Austin City Council, Greg Casar spearheaded an effort to eliminate the city's camping ban. His aim was to prevent homeless individuals from accumulating criminal records, which often hinder their ability to secure permanent housing.

The repeal of the ban resulted in the emergence of tent cities, drawing protests from conservatives and ultimately leading to a resident vote that reinstated the ban.

Now 35, Mr. Casar holds the position of chairman of the House Progressive Caucus and is considered a prominent figure within the Democratic Party. The party is currently navigating a challenging period during the second term of President Trump. He has adjusted his focus in response to these shifts.

In a recent interview, conducted in an Uber on his way to a town hall in Thornton, Colorado, Mr. Casar, who is bilingual and the son of Mexican immigrants, stated that the party needs to broaden its appeal. He emphasized that the progressive movement should not solely concentrate on assisting the most impoverished individuals.

Mr. Casar's current objective is to regain the support of working-class individuals who feel alienated from the Democratic Party. He believes this requires prioritizing economic concerns over cultural or identity-based issues as the party's primary focus.