Questions from RPT Vice-Chair D'rinda Randall

I recently was on X Spaces with Republican Party of Texas Vice-Chair D'rinda Randall. Her questions and my answers are below. The asterisks indicate her questions.

The Heart Behind the Book

* What inspired you to write 'The Goal Is to Win?'

Why I wrote the book and picked the title...

I wrote the book because too many grassroots candidates who have the right principles and will do right by the voters who would elect them don't understand that running for office isn't like what made them successful in their career. The nurse, the plumber, the engineer - they have great skills for that job, but running for office is a very different skillset. I wanted to ensure that they had the preparation to help them win.

I picked the title because this isn't the 1980's. Democrats hate us - swastikas on Teslas, swatting those who have influence, threatening and even injuring and trying to end us... we need to realize that it's truly all on the line. We have a peaceful means of saving Texas, the country, and the future. Let's use what the founders of the country gave us: elections.

* Was there a defining moment when you realized that conservatives needed a new kind of playbook?

There are a number of good books and good training camps out there. I just think differently, and I thought that my perspective would help people see it in a different light.

* How does your message differ from traditional campaign manuals, what makes it uniquely Texas-style and grassroots-focused?

I've worked dozens and dozens of campaigns that seemingly had no hope to win. I care only about how conservative and coachable they are... I don't stick my finger in the wind to gauge their likely election outcome.

Almost all grassroots candidates are not well known and have just a fraction of the money that their opponent has. Given that, how do they compete to win in that environment? That's a problem I want to solve, and I believe that I'm starting to solve it.

Lessons for Today's Political Climate

* We've seen how the left organizes locally with precision - what are they doing right that conservatives must start doing better?

In every seminar I give, I ask this question: which party is more likely to bring a busload of voters to the polls on election day? Every audience unanimously answers "Democrat," to which I respond, "Why isn't it us?" We're the ones who love our children, Texas values, and this country.

The left organizes. In the early Tea Party movement, we made fun of the "community organizer" who became our president. We focused on education, teaching people the Constitution. That's great - it's good to know about the Constitution, but that doesn't win elections it turns out. What wins elections is organization - bringing more people to the polls than your opponent.

I realize there is fraud. I realize that, in some ways, it feels like the odds are stacked against us. But against all odds, President Trump was re-elected.

Our opponents will try to convince us to stay home because they won't stay home. So, it's our job to get other to join us and overwhelm the vote.

* In your opinion, what are the top three mistakes local Republican campaigns make that cost them elections?

Elections are about winning. The goal is to win, after all.

I mentioned one mistake, and that is focusing on education rather than organization. We Republicans are rugged individualists who would rather be left alone. We can't afford that way of thinking when it comes to elections.

The second mistake is that too many campaigns focus on how terrible the opponent is instead of selling what the candidate will do for the voter. It's what I call the Land of Milk and Honey. President Trump certainly talked about how bad Biden and Harris were, but the theme of his every rally was Make America Great Again. That was his Land of Milk and Honey. And it wasn't just a slogan - it was an agenda. Energy independence, border security, bringing our manufacturing base back home. He sold that vision, and it attracted voters of all stripes to the polls to re-elect him. So I coach my candidates to find and sell their Land of Milk and Honey.

The third mistake is not knowing how to attract and engage volunteers. Most consultants look for blockwalkers, phone bankers, and donors. That's about it. And while those are important, everyone can play a role that leverages their strengths. Do they weld? Drive a delivery truck? Love to bake? We need to expand our idea of how to attract and engage volunteers.

* How can we build consistent momentum between election cycles, not just during campaign season?

Back when the Revolutionary War started, there were militias. In Massachusetts, they were the minutemen - ready to take action at a moment's notice.

Today, small towns have volunteer firemen who train to be effective should someone's house need saving.

I find inspiration in those examples, but I apply them to elections. Our Second Amendment says, "A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state..." They organized, so that when Paul Revere needed to call them up, they were ready.

Likewise, we need a local standing army of voters, if you will, to multiply the vote at election time. We need to organize. All of us know about 150 people by first name who know us by first name. How many would vote with us if only we ask?

Everyone on this space has had the experience of someone coming to them before an election and asking for guidance on how to vote. They do that because they esteem us to be smart and savvy when it comes to politics. So why not leverage and accelerate that? I talk about that a lot in my seminars that I give.

Prepare to Win Series

* You and I launched 'Prepare to Win' as a hands-on training program for candidates and precinct chairs. What do you see as the biggest 'aha moment' participants experience in these sessions?

I focus on practical, doable activities that can win elections. I hear from people that those practical things I teach are a big a-ha moment, but I would say that it's really the idea that people are far more powerful than they know. We will show them how that's true.

* Why do you believe this series is essential heading into the 2026 midterms?

So many issues we've never confronted before are headed our way. From AI to establishing and embracing again law and order in our large cities to protecting families, I like to say that we get the culture we allow. We get the government we allow. We have to realize our personal stake and personal role in setting the future on the right path. Lord knows that we cannot endure weakness right now. We have to stay strong or whatever right steps we're making now will stumble and fall. Our children and grandchildren cannot afford that.

* How can someone who's never been politically active before get started - and make an immediate difference?

Every act of our life starts with a decision and commitment to that decision. That's the first step: decide to get involved. People can reach out to me, to you, to the local Republican leader whom they admire. I urge people to make an inventory of their skills, resources, and availability so that they can look for opportunities to get involved with what they're able to offer. And even if your local leadership don't seem too plugged in, you don't have to wait for permission. Just jump in. That's what I did two decades ago.

* What excites you most about our next 'Prepare to Win' workshop in Houston on January 10?

The people. I love patriots. I love their drive to protect families and wallets and culture. Let's give them tools to empower them and then watch them soar. That's exciting. When I get emails from those who have read the book or attended the seminar and I hear what they're doing next, it makes everything I do worthwhile.

Building a Winning Culture

* Your book's title is simple 'The Goal Is to Win.' What does 'winning' mean beyond election night?

I have a simple definition for freedom: it's when I can go 30 days without worrying about what the government is doing. As it is today, I can't go thirty minutes.

Winning for me means that a woman can walk her dog in her neighborhood at night without fear.
Winning means that parents know that schools are safe and that their child won't need remedial classes in college.
Winning for me means that the person who wants to start a small business can do so without hindrance from burdensome regulations and fees.

The founders were right when they craved a government for which the focus was protecting our rights. We need to limit government, not people. When we do, we're winning.

* How do we create a culture of discipline, unity, and accountability at the grassroots level?

Our principles unite us. I can walk into any room full of Republicans and say that I am for less taxation and no one disagrees. On the other hand, I can announce my endorsement of someone in office, and I just split the room to some degree. If unity is what we crave, then we have to unite around principles and not personalities.

Driving toward principles will also set the stage for discipline and accountability. It's just not about getting someone elected - it's about the freedom we win. We need to focus on that. The election should be a step toward winning freedom and protecting rights.

* What role do messaging and storytelling play in connecting with today's voters?

Messaging is how you attract volunteers and supporters. We learn and remember through stories. Both are crucial. And if we're driven by principles, then messaging and storytelling become far easier. I spend a lot of time in the book discussing that.

Leadership and Legacy

* You've trained and advised countless candidates, what qualities separate those who win from those who don't?

I look for happy warriors who understand the urgency of the times. If you're running for office and truly fighting for the people, you don't have time to travel to attend college football games - you're blockwalking. You're connecting. You sacrifice. After you win, do the other stuff. Our military, during battles, don't take time out for R&R. They focus on the mission. So I also look for that dedication.

And I can't stress enough approaching everything from the voters' perspective. The more the people feel that you are in it to win it for them, they will absorb that energy and join you.

* What's one lesson you wish every new conservative leader would take to heart before launching their campaign?

Crave the function and not the title. The greatest title even given on Earth is "Son of God," and yet Jesus washed his disciples' feet. He served. He was humble, but he knew his purpose. If you want a leadership position, be ready to serve.

* Looking ahead, how do you hope 'Prepare to Win' and your book will shape the next generation of conservative leadership in Texas?

Endless victory. And maybe one day being able to go thirty days without worrying about what the government is doing. If we can win more freedom for people, then I'll be satisfied.

What I do know is that I am to do what God has laid before me, and that my job is to obey. So that's my focus, and I'm excited to do this with you.

4 Comments

Daniel Hunt (Nov 15, 2025 5:33 AM):

Excellent words and ideas, as usual!

Michael L Bonn (Nov 15, 2025 8:07 AM):

I believe your message is absolutely to the point and very simple to understand Bret, now we just have to start, one person at a time. Thank you so much for sharing, encouraging and giving hope for we must Win to stay free.

Beth Counts (Nov 17, 2025 8:57 AM):

Such a great interview. Is it too late for the next primary to start the process of educating the voters to vote?

Richard Steenson (Dec 5, 2025 9:03 AM):

Five guys (don’t know why no gals) attended our precinct convention in March, 2024. We decided to stay connected by meeting for breakfast every month. Twenty months later we are still meeting. We live in five different neighborhoods within the precinct and thus able to engage with a lot of voters. Every precinct should do this.