It was a cold morning in Adel Tuesday, but that didn’t stop a crowd from gathering outside to hear from a Democratic presidential candidate.

Former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke made an appearance at the home of Dallas County Democratic Chairperson Bryce Smith, and around 80 people filled the yard to learn about him and ask questions. O’Rourke began by giving a speech about his background in politics, which included an unsuccessful but close bid to unseat incumbent Texas Senator Ted Cruz in 2018, and spoke in detail about one of his primary focuses: battling climate change. Following that, he opened the floor to questions from attendees, which included his plans for education, agricultural sustainability, and veterans affairs.

An overriding theme for O’Rourke is his attention to the needs and concerns of every constituent while still holding true to progressive policies. He said that has enabled him to bridge the growing gap between political parties and gain support from Republican voters in Texas in the past. He believes that quality is what separates him from the crowded Democratic candidate field, and will ultimately put him in the White House. “That’s the same approach that we’re taking today here in Iowa (and) in the 13 other states that we’ve visited over the last six-and-a-half weeks: showing up everywhere for everyone, taking no one for granted, writing nobody off, (and) making sure that everybody sees a future for themselves in this democracy and in our country. And so for that, I’m grateful to you for hosting us here today, for spending part of your Tuesday morning with us, for asking some great questions, and giving me some great guidance on how we can do the best possible job for all Americans.”

O’Rourke is the seventh Democratic presidential candidate to visit Dallas County ahead of next year’s Iowa Caucuses. He’s one of 21 individuals currently seeking the Democratic nomination in the next primary, to challenge incumbent Republican President Donald Trump in the 2020 general election. Other candidates who have already visited Dallas County include: former Maryland Congressman John Delaney, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who stopped in Perry; Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and California Businessman Andrew Yang, who attended the Dallas County Democrats annual fundraiser in Adel; and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, who visited Waukee.