Big political players are marking their calendars for for The Texas Tribune Festival, a prime gathering of lawmakers and policymakers, this September in Austin. Joining the refreshed roster for the event, according to The Texas Tribune, are former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, Sen. John Fetterman, and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. All are set to offer their perspectives on various fronts: the 2024 elections, the current state of U.S. democracy, and a diverse array of political and policy challenges facing the nation.
Cheney, a Republican stalwart who helmed the House Republican Conference before her pivotal role on the House Jan. 6 Select Committee, will return to TribFest after her keynote last year focusing on democracy. "In conversation with Tribune co-founder Evan Smith, talked about prioritizing preserving democracy over policy differences," noted The Texas Tribune. She served Wyoming from 2017 until 2023 and is also known for her bestselling memoir “Oath and Honor: A Memoir and A Warning.”
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania democrat, Fetterman, who clinched a Senate seat in 2022, brings to the table a fresh perspective, particularly distinct from other progressives in his party regarding the Israel-Hamas War, immigration, and energy. His track record as Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor includes a strong advocacy for marijuana legalization, economic justice, LGBTQ+ protections, and criminal justice reform.
Adding to the mix is Stitt, the entrepreneurial spirit turned politician, helming Oklahoma's government since 2019. Stitt's tenure as governor has been marked by his approach to use his background in business to champion for government efficiency, accountability, and transparency. "He is an entrepreneur who founded Gateway in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2000," The Texas Tribune reports, "and grew Gateway into a nationwide mortgage company." His goal is to position Oklahoma as a top-tier state for job growth, infrastructure, and education.
The Texas Tribune Festival promises to be a vital platform for heated debate and spreading ideas as the political climate simmers ahead of the 2024 elections. With astute minds such as Cheney's experience, Fetterman's advocacy, and Stitt's business acumen converging, attendees can expect a diversified discourse at this year's TribFest. Tickets for the event, as advertised by the hosting media institution, are already on sale.
