The Associated Press projects that Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has successfully fended off a Republican primary runoff election challenge by David Covey. Phelan’s victory in his state House district east of Houston is widely interpreted as a political setback for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, former President Donald Trump, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Notably, Phelan was responsible for leading the effort to impeach Paxton last year over corruption charges. Despite the House’s overwhelming vote to impeach the controversial attorney general, Paxton was subsequently acquitted by the state Senate.
In response to his impeachment, Paxton targeted over 30 incumbent GOP state representatives, with Phelan at the top of his list. Paxton’s most influential ally, Trump, subsequently endorsed Covey. Meanwhile, Abbott sought to retaliate against Phelan for orchestrating the defeat of his education plan in the state House last year. Abbott’s plan would have paved the way for taxpayer funding of private schools, but it ultimately failed to pass the state House, marking a rare political setback for the three-term governor.
During the March primary, nine GOP state House lawmakers were defeated, while eight more were forced into runoffs. All of these representatives had been targeted by either Abbott, Paxton, or both the governor and the attorney general.
Veteran Texas-based Republican strategist Brendan Steinhauser provided Fox News with his analysis of the situation, stating that it represents a power struggle within the Republican Party of Texas. He believes that Abbott aims to install legislators who will support his agenda. Steinhauser also highlights that Paxton, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Trump, are motivated by their desire to remove Phelan, who led Paxton’s impeachment and obstructed Patrick’s agenda in the Senate.
The race has also been viewed as a proxy battle for the future of the GOP in Texas. Phelan enjoys the support of traditional Republicans and business leaders who played a pivotal role in bringing the GOP to power in Texas during the 1980s and 1990s. In contrast, Covey has garnered support from Abbott, Patrick, Paxton, Trump, and far-right activists who prioritize social and cultural issues.
If Phelan had lost, he would have become the first Texas House speaker to be ousted in a primary in over half a century. For the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more, visit our Fox News Digital election hub.
