DeadBeach Brewery in El Paso has drawn criticism from some residents after hosting Texas Governor Greg Abbott for a campaign event. The visit, part of a get-out-the-vote effort, prompted calls for a boycott on social media. Brewery owners emphasize their commitment to inclusivity and past support for politicians from both parties.
On February 26, DeadBeach Brewery in El Paso served as a venue for one of three Texas stops in Governor Greg Abbott's "Let’s Roll" campaign events, aimed at boosting voter turnout ahead of the state's gubernatorial primary election. The Republican governor's appearance at the brewery sparked immediate backlash from some local residents, who voiced their disapproval in the comments section of the business's Instagram account.
Critics argued that Abbott does not support the El Paso community and urged others to boycott the brewery. One such commenter, Elizabeth Gomez, expressed her disappointment and stated she would no longer visit the establishment. These reactions appeared under a post promoting the upcoming Borderland BeerFest, set for April 11.
In response, supporters of the brewery pointed out that it operates as a private venue and has a history of hosting events that benefit its employees and the community. They noted the business's previous support for Democratic candidates.
Jason Hunt, a co-owner of DeadBeach Brewery, addressed the controversy by affirming the venue's role in allowing diverse viewpoints. "Everybody’s entitled to their own voice," Hunt said. "It’s not my place to say that one voice is more correct than another. I understand that people are upset. It does hurt, considering how much I’ve tried to do for my community, but I didn’t mute or delete comments because people have a right to share how they feel."
Hunt highlighted the brewery's non-partisan stance and efforts to create an inclusive space. He mentioned that Democratic figures, including U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar and former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke, have held events there. O’Rourke notably launched his 2022 gubernatorial campaign at the location. "We're a safe place for everybody. We're just trying to make El Paso proud. Trying to be a good local business for everybody," Hunt added. "Our entire team is from El Paso, and this community is extremely important to us."
Jud Burgess, owner of Brave Books, also weighed in via a video on his Instagram account, offering his perspective on the social media backlash faced by the brewery.
