The committee’s focus around the country is on breaking the Republican Party’s control on how congressional district maps are drawn. The group is doing that in Texas by targeting Republicans in the state Legislature and in various state executive positions.

“We’re in the process of assessing how we can be effective in our efforts in all parts of the country,” Holder said after the meeting. “And to be able to hear activists who know the Latino community talk about methods they have used that have proved to be very effective is something that’s going to be very useful for us.”

Leaders from groups including Jolt Texas, Battleground Texas, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas and Faith in Texas shared details of their efforts to get area Latinos to the polls while Holder diligently scribbled down notes. The meeting took place at the downtown headquarters of the Latino Center for Leadership Development.