From the Desk of Ray – Leadership & Respect June 27, 2025

Concerns Regarding Interaction with Congressional District Chair Melanie Wilcox Miles

I feel compelled to share a deeply disappointing experience I had while trying to engage with the newly elected Congressional District 18 Chair, Mrs. Melanie Wilcox Miles, who also serves as Precinct Chair for Precinct 140.

During our phone conversation, I attempted to ask basic questions about her role and responsibilities in light of the recent restructuring of the Texas Democratic Party. Instead of a constructive dialogue, I was met with disrespect. Mrs. Miles not only refused to answer my questions but abruptly hung up on me and refused to continue the conversation.

I find it troubling that someone who has accepted a public leadership role would respond in this way to a constituent seeking clarity. Why pursue such a position if one is unwilling or unprepared to address inquiries or be held accountable? Especially at the grassroots level, these roles are critical in shaping trust and transparency with the community.

All I wanted was to verify some information regarding the structural changes to the Party:

"The Democratic Party moved toward grouping local precincts by Congressional Districts (CD) through an amendment to the Party Rules, approved at the Democratic National Convention in the early 2020s. The Texas Democratic Party adopted this change at the 2024 State Convention. As a result, Texas Senate District Executive Committees were transitioned into Congressional District Executive Committees within each county. Each CD Chair within the Harris County Democratic Party presides over CD Executive Committee meetings and serves on the County Steering Committee (CSC) an advisory body to the County Chair. The CSC also sets the agenda for the County Executive Committee (CEC) and can approve expenditures, adopt resolutions, and take action between quarterly CEC meetings."

My goal was simply to understand this new structure and verify that information, yet I was treated with unnecessary hostility. If Mrs. Miles has ambitions to rise in political leadership, I believe our community deserves someone who will lead with both knowledge and respect.

Ray R.C. Jones

President, Northside Political Action Group

📞 832-498-3705