Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has emerged victorious in a Republican primary runoff election, defeating a challenge from David Covey. Phelan’s victory is seen as a setback for Attorney General Ken Paxton, former President Donald Trump, and Governor Greg Abbott, all of whom supported Covey. Phelan had overseen Paxton’s impeachment last year, while Abbott sought payback for Phelan’s opposition to his education plan. The race was also seen as a proxy battle for the future of the Republican Party in Texas, with Phelan representing the old guard and Covey aligned with far-right activists emphasizing social issues.
