Elizabeth Warren holds town hall at Discovery Green

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren gives a speech during a town hall gathering a Discovery Green in downtown Houston on Saturday, February 29, 2020. U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren gives a speech during a town hall gathering a Discovery Green in downtown Houston on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Elizabeth Warren holds town hall at Discovery Green 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

Hundreds have gathered to hear Elizabeth Warren's town hall at Discovery Green Saturday, just days before a Texas’ presidential primary on Tuesday.

A mixture of people gathered outside on the lawn to wait for the gates to open hours before the Democratic hopeful was set to take the stage.

Nykeisha Bryer decided to come because she’s still unsure who to vote for Tuesday. The 30-year-old middle school assistant principal said Warren’s educational background stands out to her.

“The fact that she’s an educator is important to me (and) one of the reasons why I’m drawn towards her….and making sure we have someone nationally that can really advocate for the issues that teachers experience, students experience, all the stakeholders experience,” said Bryer.

Bryer, who also has two master's degrees, said her potential presidential candidate’s position on student loan debt is an issue that’s on her mind.

Warren has been outspoken about canceling student loan debt.

Wes Garner was just visiting his cousin in Texas for the last three weeks but has wanted to see Warren in person at a rally. However, the 70-year-old from Massachusetts said he was worried about Warren's odds.

“I’m concerned about electability across the country,” said Garner. “There’s still a big stigma about women, which is crazy.”

Garner said he relates to Warren on her stance concerning women’s rights, gun control and the environment. He thinks Bernie Sanders should team up with Warren on the Democratic ticket.

“I still think before it goes any further she and Bernie should team up and just do it,” said Garner. “She’s got the smarts, he’s got the votes so far.”

AJ Albaaj, a nuclear engineer, had already voted but came out to the town hall anyway with a couple friends to show support for Warren.

“My issue is the concentration of power and wealth that is happening in America,” said the 24-year-old. “We have a billionaire who decides to just run last minute for a presidential campaign, and this is a problem and a gaping hole in American society. I think Elizabeth Warren is the best at cohesively explaining the issues we have with power and wealth in this country. “

Warren, who has deep Texas roots, started her day in South Carolina during that state’s presidential primary.

Warren graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Houston in 1970. She taught at both University of Houston’s law school and at the University of Texas at Austin.

The last time Warren campaigned in Houston was during the Democratic debate in September.

The presidential primary in Texas could play a pivotal role in deciding who will be the Democratic nominee against President Donald Trump. Texas has 228 delegates, which is more than the other early voting states, Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina combined.

Last Sunday, Bernie Sanders held a rally at University of Houston, which was one of four Texas rallies held by the Democratic presidential candidate last weekend. Joe Biden plans to campaign in Houston on Monday. Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg made a stop in Houston this past Thursday.