In a heated political battle, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and challenger David Covey, supported by Attorney General Ken Paxton and former President Trump, are vying for control in the GOP primary runoff elections. Phelan, who oversaw the impeachment effort against Paxton last year, has become a target for Paxton’s retaliation, with Paxton endorsing Covey and Trump following suit.
Governor Greg Abbott, seeking payback for his defeated education plan, has also targeted incumbent state representatives, with Paxton joining forces to defeat Phelan. Meanwhile, in suburban Dallas, former Trump campaign adviser Katrina Pierson, backed by both Abbott and Paxton, aims to unseat state Rep. Justin Holland.
In the southwestern part of the state, Republican congressman Tony Gonzales, who has defied his party on gun safety, immigration, and same-sex marriage, faces a runoff challenge from gun rights advocate Brandon Herrera, backed by controversial Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and other far-right House members. Gonzales, supported by Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, must navigate a delicate balance between protecting his right flank and appealing to the conservative ecosystem.
The outcome of these runoff elections will have significant implications for the future of the Republican Party in Texas, as both Phelan and Gonzales face battles that could determine their political careers and the direction of the GOP in the state.
