Republican primary races in Texas revealed deep rifts within the party as candidates like Tony Gonzales and Dade Phelan narrowly secured victories. These wins, marked by fierce challenges and razor-thin margins, highlight the ongoing turbulence among GOP ranks. With high stakes and heated rhetoric, the Texas primaries set the stage for a contentious general election season.
Gonzales Holds Off Primary Challenge
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas narrowly secured his primary win against a gun-rights activist, averting a runoff that could have unseated him. His victory highlighted the internal tensions within the GOP, especially over issues like gun control and immigration.
Phelan Edges Out Right-Wing Challenger
State House Speaker Dade Phelan narrowly defeated a right-wing challenger supported by President Trump. This win reflects the ongoing turbulence within the Republican Party in Texas, as hard-line conservatives express their dissatisfaction.
Tight Margins Reflect GOP Turmoil
Both Gonzales and Phelan won by narrow margins, showcasing the anger of hard-line conservatives and the internal strife within the GOP. Their victories suggest ongoing challenges as they navigate a divided party landscape.
Gonzales Defeats Gun-Rights Enthusiast
Gonzales defeated Brandon Herrera, a gun enthusiast known as “The AK Guy” on social media, who criticized Gonzales for positions that angered the GOP’s hard right. Gonzales’ supporters warned that losing this primary could have opened the door for a Democratic flip in November.
Campaign Attacks Over Gun-Safety Bill
During the campaign, Herrera attacked Gonzales over his support for a gun-safety bill following the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. This issue, deeply resonant in Gonzales’ district, became a focal point of contention.
November General Election Ahead
Gonzales will now face Democrat Santos Limon in the November general election. This sets the stage for another contentious race in a politically charged environment.
Gonzales Faces Criticism Within GOP
Gonzales, labeled a moderate by his critics, stirred controversy by calling some hard-right colleagues “scumbags” in an April interview. His positions on same-sex marriage protections and a bipartisan gun-safety bill led to censure by the Republican Party of Texas in 2023.
High-Profile Support for Gonzales
Despite internal party conflicts, Gonzales garnered support from top Republicans, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Speaker Mike Johnson even attended a fundraiser for Gonzales, who significantly outpaced Herrera in campaign fundraising.
Herrera’s Online Presence
Herrera, a gun manufacturer and social media personality, has a substantial following with over 3 million YouTube subscribers. His campaign highlighted the influence of social media figures in modern politics.
Phelan’s Narrow Victory
Phelan narrowly won his primary against David Covey, who had Trump’s backing. This victory staves off immediate threats to his leadership but leaves open the possibility of future challenges.
Leadership Role in Question
Phelan’s victory allows him to remain on the general election ballot, but the fierce primary battle raises questions about his hold on the speakership. The race showcased the fractures within the GOP, with Phelan facing criticism for his role in the impeachment of Ken Paxton.
Phelan’s Election Night Speech
At his election night party, Phelan declared victory, describing the primary as a grueling fight. He asserted that the runoff helped clarify his record to voters.
GOP Fractures on Display
The primary races in Texas highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party. Phelan, as speaker since 2021, faced backlash after his chamber voted to impeach Paxton, reflecting broader national GOP tensions.
Tough Stance on Key Issues
Phelan has led votes enacting some of the nation’s strictest anti-abortion laws and significantly expanding gun rights. His leadership also supported Governor Abbott’s anti-immigration platforms and efforts to curtail LGBTQ+ rights.
Accusations of Cross-Party Voting
After declaring victory, Covey and Paxton accused Phelan of attracting Democratic voters in the Republican primary. Texas’ open primary system allows voters to cross party lines, fueling these allegations.
Covey’s Sharp Criticism
Covey harshly criticized Phelan despite his win, claiming it destroyed Phelan’s already weak legacy. His remarks underscore the deep divisions within the party.
Trump-Backed Victory
Katrina Pierson, a former spokeswoman for Trump, ousted incumbent Justin Holland for a state House seat in the Dallas suburbs. Holland faced backlash for voting to impeach Paxton and raising the age for assault rifle purchases, while Abbott campaigned for Pierson.
Cuellar Faces Republican Challenge
Republicans selected Jay Furman, a retired Navy veteran, to challenge Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar in November. Cuellar, indicted on federal charges, maintains his innocence as three associates have pleaded guilty.
Furman Defeats Primary Opponent
Furman defeated Lazaro Garza in the primary, with both campaigning on border security and immigration restrictions. Cuellar’s sister, Rosie Cuellar, lost her bid for a state House seat to Cecilia Castellano.
Granger’s Replacement Chosen
Republicans chose Craig Goldman to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, the longest-serving GOP congresswoman. Goldman, a real estate businessman, will face Democrat Trey Hunt in the general election for the Fort Worth district.
Granger’s Legacy
Granger, who announced she would not seek re-election, was first elected in 1996 and chaired the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Her departure marks the end of a significant era in Texas politics.
