In Austin, Texas, the GOP primary runoff for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales is highlighting divisions within the party. Gonzales, who has clashed with hard-right Republicans and drawn criticism from the state party, is facing a tough challenge from Brandon Herrera, a gun-rights YouTube creator. Another key race is the battle faced by Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, who angered conservatives by leading the 2023 impeachment of state Attorney General Ken Paxton. A loss for Gonzales could potentially give Democrats an opening to flip a traditionally moderate district in November, while a change in Texas House leadership could push policymaking in the state even further to the right.
Gonzales represents a large district along the Texas-Mexico border and has faced sanctions from the state party due to his independent voting record. Herrera, who finished second in the primary, has strong support from the far right, including a campaign appearance with Rep. Matt Gaetz. The winner of the runoff will face Democrat Santos Limon in the general election. Another incumbent facing a tough race is Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, who was pushed into a runoff with oil and gas consultant David Covey. Phelan, who has passed several conservative laws during his tenure, is fighting to maintain his seat against Covey.
In a separate race, former Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson is challenging incumbent Justin Holland for his state House seat in the Dallas suburbs. Holland, who voted to impeach Paxton and supported gun control measures, faces a tough primary challenge from Pierson. The outcome of this race could have implications for the balance of power within the Texas Legislature. Republicans are also deciding who will run against Democratic congressman Henry Cuellar, who has been indicted on federal charges of bribery, money laundering, and fraud. Two Republican candidates, Jay Furman and Lazaro Garza, are vying for the nomination to challenge Cuellar in November, campaigning on tighter border security and immigration restrictions.
In addition to the congressional race, Rosie Cuellar, Henry Cuellar’s sister, is facing off against Cecilia Castellano in the Democratic runoff for a state House seat in South Texas. The outcome of these races will shape the political landscape in Texas leading up to the general election in November. With various key races in the primary runoffs, the Texas GOP is facing challenges from within as candidates vie for positions of power in the state Legislature and U.S. Congress. The results of these races will impact the direction of policy decisions and political dynamics in Texas moving forward.
