Great Food, Great Community: Bennett Dodson at the Nora Hodges Candidates' Public Forum
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, organizer Nora Hodges brought together candidates and voters from across Waller County for one of the most welcoming forum events of the primary season. The Meet & Greet the Candidates Public Forum was held at the Creative World Multipurpose Center at 2112 4th St in Hempstead, and the evening left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
A Warm Welcome, Starting with Dinner
Guests were invited to arrive early for a complimentary dinner starting at 5:30 p.m., and the food did not disappoint. The meal set a friendly, community-first tone for the entire evening, exactly what a public forum should feel like. By the time the forum officially began at 6:00 p.m., the room was full of neighbors eager to engage with the candidates running for positions across Waller County.
The event ran from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and was open to the general public at no charge. All candidates running for Waller County positions were invited to participate, and the forum was conducted with full independence: no candidate was paid or endorsed by the organizer.
Real Conversations with Real Voters
What made this forum special was its accessibility. Waller County residents of all backgrounds came out to ask questions, hear directly from candidates, and get informed before heading to the polls. Forums like this one are what local democracy looks like at its best: neighbors sitting down together, asking hard questions, and holding candidates accountable.
Bennett was grateful for the opportunity to connect with voters in Hempstead and to be part of an event that prioritized community engagement above all else.
Thank You, Nora Hodges
A heartfelt thank you to Nora Hodges for organizing such a thoughtful, well-run event. The attention to hospitality, from the dinner to the warm atmosphere, made it clear that this forum was organized by someone who genuinely cares about the Waller County community.
Primary Election Day is March 3, 2026. Early voting runs February 17–27. If you met Bennett at this forum and want to stay connected, sign up for campaign updates here.