House Speaker Dade Phelan managed to survive a brutal primary challenge in Texas, while state Rep. Justin Holland lost his suburban Dallas seat to Katrina Pierson in two high-profile races among Texas Republicans. Despite the Republicans’ majority in the state House of Representatives and a successful conservative agenda from the 2023 legislative session, 15 House Republicans lost to challengers in either the primaries in March or runoffs on Tuesday night. The intra-party war has seen Attorney General Ken Paxton targeting Republicans who voted to impeach him last year, with Governor Greg Abbott also backing challengers to those who voted against his school voucher bill.
Phelan, who has been the House Speaker for two terms representing the Beaumont area since 2015, did not pressure his members to support Abbott’s bill in a special legislative session. Despite Abbott staying out of Phelan’s race, Paxton made efforts to defeat him, and a challenger even managed to get the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Phelan narrowly defeated his challenger by fewer than 500 votes on Tuesday, expressing his gratitude to the voters of Southeast Texas for supporting their community’s course and values. Paxton criticized the result on social media and called for primaries to be closed only to Republicans, warning against supporting Phelan as Speaker in 2025.
Phelan was targeted by Paxton for leading the impeachment case against him in the Texas House last year on allegations of misconduct and abuse of office. After the impeachment vote where 60 House Republicans joined Democrats in voting to impeach Paxton, he was ultimately acquitted in the GOP-controlled state Senate. Paxton then endorsed challengers to those who voted to impeach him, launching a campaign to support them on a statewide tour. Another Paxton target was Holland, who represents Collin County, the same district as Paxton. Abbott backed Pierson in the primary against Holland due to his vote against school vouchers and other controversial decisions involving gun control legislation.
The result of the primary runoff elections in Texas has highlighted the internal divisions within the Republican Party, with several incumbents losing to challengers backed by various factions of the party. Abbott declared that he had enough votes to pass his voucher bill after several Republicans who had opposed it were defeated in the primaries. Paxton’s influence and endorsements played a significant role in several races, with Phelan managing to hold onto his seat despite strong opposition. The fallout from the intra-party war among Texas Republicans may have long-lasting effects on the dynamics within the state legislature and the future direction of the party.
The competitive primary races in Texas reflect broader ideological and political shifts within the Republican Party, with different factions vying for control and influence over key policy decisions. The challenges faced by incumbent Republicans, including Phelan and Holland, indicate the growing tensions and divisions within the party and the consequences of siding with or against influential figures like Paxton and Abbott. The outcome of the elections underscores the importance of party loyalty, policy alignment, and grassroots support in determining the success or failure of candidates in the increasingly contentious political landscape in Texas and beyond.
Overall, the primary challenges faced by House Speaker Dade Phelan and other Texas Republicans reveal the complex dynamics at play within the state party and the broader political landscape. The influence of figures like Ken Paxton and Greg Abbott, as well as the shifting priorities and allegiances within the Republican Party, have shaped the outcomes of key races and decisions. The aftermath of the primary runoffs will likely have lasting implications for the balance of power, policy direction, and internal cohesion within the Texas GOP, setting the stage for further battles and debates in the upcoming legislative sessions and electoral cycles.
