Connect with us

Election

Covey vs. Phelan: Democrat Support Pushes Phelan Over the Finish Line in Republican Race.

Published

on

Dade Phelan RINO Membership Card

Beaumont, TX — In a bitterly contested primary for Texas House District 21, David Covey, a staunch conservative backed by high-profile Republicans like Donald Trump, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Governor Greg Abbott, was narrowly defeated by incumbent Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan. Despite a hard-fought campaign and significant support, Covey conceded the race late Tuesday night after the results showed Phelan leading by a slim margin of 366 votes, a difference that could trigger a recount.

Covey, the former Orange County Republican Party chairman, represented the true grassroots conservative movement. He championed the principles of accountability and integrity, directly challenging Phelan’s controversial leadership. Over the past year, Phelan’s decision to back the impeachment of Attorney General Paxton on charges of corruption and bribery caused his popularity to plummet among many Republicans, creating an opening for Covey’s insurgent campaign.

Covey’s challenge was historic. Forcing Phelan into a runoff in March, he garnered more votes than the incumbent, shaking the political establishment. Phelan, who had previously sailed through elections unopposed, faced an unprecedented challenge from a first-time candidate. This race became the most expensive state House contest in Texas history, with Phelan’s campaign spending $3.8 million compared to Covey’s $1.6 million, highlighting the high stakes and intense competition.

The campaign was marked by intense negativity, with Phelan resorting to accusations and aggressive tactics, labeling Covey’s campaign as one based on “lies and deceit.” In contrast, Covey focused on exposing Phelan’s betrayal of conservative values, portraying him as an “Austin swamp creature” who relied on Democratic support to maintain his power.

Despite the defeat, Covey’s campaign underscored the growing influence of the ultraconservative faction within the Texas Republican Party. This group, championed by figures like Patrick and Paxton, rejects compromise and bipartisanship, aiming to steer the party back to its core conservative principles. Covey’s candidacy was a testament to this movement’s strength and its challenge to the traditional party establishment.

In the aftermath, Attorney General Paxton and other conservatives voiced strong disapproval of Phelan’s tactics and leadership. Paxton accused Phelan of “blatantly stealing an election” by courting Democratic votes, and warned that supporting Phelan’s bid for Speaker in 2025 would be political suicide for any Republican House member.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also criticized Phelan, attributing the loss of many incumbents to Phelan’s concessions to Democrats during the legislative session. Patrick argued that Phelan’s leadership failed to uphold true conservative values, leading to significant electoral defeats and loss of confidence among Republicans.

Phelan’s victory was bolstered by significant support from the business-oriented establishment wing of the party, including high-profile figures like Karl Rove and former officials such as U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Gov. Rick Perry. This faction’s substantial financial contributions highlighted the deep divisions within the party between traditional powerbrokers and the rising conservative insurgency.

The battle for the Speaker’s gavel is far from over. With no public endorsements for Phelan’s potential challengers yet, the political maneuvering will intensify. Republicans like Tom Oliverson of Cypress have already declared their candidacy, setting the stage for a contentious leadership race.

Despite this setback, Covey’s campaign galvanized the conservative base and brought significant attention to the dissatisfaction with Phelan’s leadership. The coming months will determine whether the conservative faction can coalesce around a new leader who truly represents their values and principles, challenging the establishment grip on the Texas House.

Rep. Shelby Slawson, a notable critic of Phelan, summed up the sentiment of many conservatives, arguing that the impeachment debacle and Phelan’s leadership failures necessitate new leadership. Her column calling for change reflects the deep frustration and desire for a return to genuine conservative governance.

As the Texas political landscape continues to evolve, the fight for the soul of the Republican Party remains fierce. Covey’s campaign, though unsuccessful, underscored the enduring power of true conservative values and set the stage for future battles within the party.

Election

Texas House Divided: Rep. Dustin Burrows Defies GOP Caucus, Seeks Democrat Support for Speaker Role

Published

on

Dustin Burrows

GOP Divide Over House Speakership Intensifies

In a dramatic turn of events within the Texas House of Representatives, a showdown over the next Speaker has laid bare deep divisions within the Republican Party. Rep. Dustin Burrows, a close ally of outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan, broke ranks with the GOP caucus after failing to secure the Republican nomination. In an unprecedented move, Burrows aligned himself with Democrats, undermining the party’s choice of Rep. David Cook and igniting outrage among grassroots conservatives.

The Battle for Speaker of the House

On Saturday, the Texas House Republican Caucus met to select its nominee for Speaker, a critical position that sets the legislative agenda and controls committee appointments. The race came down to two contenders: Rep. David Cook, a staunch reformer who had publicly pledged to appoint only Republicans as committee chairs, and Rep. Dustin Burrows, a last-minute entrant who offered no commitments to conservative reforms.

Cook emerged victorious after three rounds of voting, with the final tally standing at 48-14 after 26 members loyal to Burrows walked out. This defection sparked a firestorm, as Burrows and his allies immediately began courting Democratic support in a bid to form a coalition that could challenge Cook on the House floor in January.

A Betrayal of Party Principles

The actions of Burrows and the defectors have drawn sharp condemnation from Republican grassroots activists and party leaders. The Republican Party of Texas (RPT) has long advocated for reforms to ensure Republican control over legislative priorities in a state where Democrats have often wielded disproportionate influence. In 2022, 81% of Republican primary voters supported a resolution requiring that only Republicans serve as committee chairs. Cook’s candidacy embodied this grassroots demand for reform, while Burrows’ maneuvering represents a continuation of the status quo.

The RPT Executive Committee issued a strong resolution following the caucus meeting, calling for unity behind Cook and warning that any member voting against the caucus nominee or supporting a secret ballot for Speaker would face censure. Such a censure could prevent them from running for reelection as Republicans.

The Dustin Burrows Record

Burrows’ record has long been a source of contention among conservatives. As Chairman of the powerful Calendars Committee under Speaker Phelan, Burrows held significant sway over which bills reached the House floor. Critics argue that this power was wielded to suppress conservative priorities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Burrows championed legislation that expanded the ability of local governments and businesses to enforce mask and vaccine mandates, a move that alienated many Republican voters. He also played a key role in blocking a bill that would have protected minors from irreversible gender-transition procedures, though a similar measure passed in a subsequent session.

More recently, Burrows was one of 61 Republicans who joined Democrats in voting to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton, an act that further fueled skepticism about his conservative credentials. Burrows’ low rankings on conservative scorecards—73rd out of 86 Republicans in the Rice University rankings and a failing 48% grade from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility—underscore his tenuous relationship with the party’s grassroots base.

Grassroots Outrage and Calls to Action

The grassroots backlash to Burrows’ actions has been swift and fierce. Conservative activists argue that Burrows’ alliance with Democrats undermines the integrity of the Republican platform and disregards the will of GOP voters. They have mobilized to pressure representatives to support Cook on the House floor when the legislature convenes on January 14, 2025.

In an email to supporters, Rep. Andy Hopper detailed the events of the caucus meeting and urged constituents to hold their representatives accountable. Hopper emphasized that the caucus rules and the RPT platform explicitly require Republicans to unify behind the caucus nominee, particularly when that nominee is committed to advancing a conservative agenda.

A Pivotal Moment for Texas Republicans

The battle over the Speaker of the House has become a litmus test for the Republican Party’s commitment to conservative principles in Texas. Historically, Democrats have been granted significant influence in the state legislature, including committee chairmanships, despite their minority status. Cook’s victory in the caucus reflects a growing determination among Republicans to end this practice and ensure that legislative leadership reflects the will of the majority.

However, Burrows’ defection threatens to derail these efforts. By seeking Democratic support, he risks fracturing the party and empowering the opposition. The stakes are high: if Burrows and his coalition succeed, it could signal a return to the bipartisan power-sharing arrangements that have long frustrated conservatives.

Conclusion

The January 14 session will be a defining moment for the Texas House of Representatives and the Republican Party. Will Republicans rally behind their caucus nominee and seize the opportunity to implement meaningful reforms, or will divisions within the party allow Democrats to dictate the agenda once again?

As grassroots conservatives mobilize to demand accountability, all eyes will be on the Capitol. For Rep. Burrows and his supporters, the path forward may come with significant political consequences. For the Republican Party, this is a battle for its soul.

Here is the complete list of key representatives in the Texas House Speaker race, categorized by their positions on reform:

(List provided by Grassroots America. https://grassrootspriorities.com/phelan.php)

Daniel Alders
State Representative for Texas House District 6
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @DanielAldersTX
X: @danielalderstx
Trent Ashby
State Representative for Texas House District 9
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0508
Email: trent.ashby@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepTrentAshby
X: @TrentAshbyTX
Jeffrey Barry
State Representative for Texas House District 29
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @votejeffbarry
X: @JeffBarryforTX
Cecil Bell
State Representative for Texas House District 3
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0650
Email: Cecil.Bell@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CecilBellJunior
X: @CBellJr
Keith Bell
State Representative for Texas House District 4
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0458
Email: keith.bell@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @StateRepKeithBell
Greg Bonnen
State Representative for Texas House District 24
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0729
Email: greg.bonnen@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @DrGregBonnen
X: @DrGregBonnen
Brad Buckley
State Representative for Texas House District 54
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0684
Email: brad.buckley@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @bradbuckleyfortexas
X: @BradBuckleyDVM
Ben Bumgarner
State Representative for Texas House District 63
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0688
Email: ben.bumgarner@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @BenBumgarnerforTexasRepHD63
X: @Bumgarner4HD63
Dustin Burrows
State Representative for Texas House District 83
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0542
Email: dustin.burrows@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @Burrows4TX
X: @Burrows4TX
Angie Button
State Representative for Texas House District 112
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0486
Email: angie.button@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @ACBforTexas
X: @AngieChenButton
Briscoe Cain
State Representative for Texas House District 128
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0733
Email: briscoe.cain@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @BriscoeCain
X: @BriscoeCain
Gio Capriglione
State Representative for Texas House District 98
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0690
Email: giovanni.capriglione@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @VoteGiovanni
X: @VoteGiovanni
David Cook
State Representative for Texas House District 96
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0374
Email: david.cook@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @davidcookfortexas
X: @DavidCookTexas
Tom Craddick
State Representative for Texas House District 82
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0500
Email: tom.craddick@house.texas.gov
Charles Cunningham
State Representative for Texas House District 127
Unconfirmed
Phone: 512-463-0520
Email: charles.cunningham@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CharlesCunninghamTX
X: @CharlesTX127
Pat Curry
State Representative for Texas House District 56
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @people/Pat-Curry-Republican-for-Texas-House/61551098733770/
Drew Darby
State Representative for Texas House District 72
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0331
Email: drew.darby@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @DrewDarbyforTexas
X: @DrewDarbyTX
Jay Dean
State Representative for Texas House District 7
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0750
Email: jay.dean@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @jaydeanfortexas
Mano DeAyala
State Representative for Texas House District 133
Unconfirmed
Phone: 512-463-0514
Email: mano.deayala@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @manoforstaterep
X: @ManoForStateRep
Mark Dorazio
State Representative for Texas House District 122
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0646
Email: mark.dorazio@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @DorazioforTexas
X: @DorazioforTexas
Paul Dyson
State Representative for Texas House District 14
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @PaulDysonTX
X: @PaulDysonTX
Caroline Fairly
State Representative for Texas House District 87
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @fairlyfortexas
X: @FairlyForTexas
James Frank
State Representative for Texas House District 69
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0534
Email: james.frank@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @repjamesfrank
X: @RepJamesFrank
Gary Gates
State Representative for Texas House District 28
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0657
Email: gary.gates@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @gatesfortexas
X: @GatesforTexas
Stan Gerdes
State Representative for Texas House District 17
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0682
Email: stan.gerdes@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @stangerdesfortexashouse
X: @StanGerdesforTX
Charlie Geren
State Representative for Texas House District 99
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0610
Email: charlie.geren@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @repcharliegeren
X: @charliegeren
Ryan Guillen
State Representative for Texas House District 31
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0416
Email: ryan.guillen@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @representative.guillen
X: @RyanGuillen
Sam Harless
State Representative for Texas House District 126
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0496
Email: sam.harless@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @samharless126
X: @SamHarless126
Cody Harris
State Representative for Texas House District 8
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0730
Email: cody.harris@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CodyforTexas
X: @CodyforTexas
Caroline Harris Davila
State Representative for Texas House District 52
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0670
Email: caroline.harris@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CarolineHarrisForTexas
X: @CarolineForTX
Brian Harrison
State Representative for Texas House District 10
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0516
Email: brian.harrison@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @votebrianharrison
X: @brianeharrison
Richard Hayes
State Representative for Texas House District 57
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0556
Email: richard.hayes@house.texas.gov
Cole Hefner
State Representative for Texas House District 5
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0271
Email: cole.hefner@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @votecolehefner
X: @ColeHefnerTX
Hillary Hickland
State Representative for Texas House District 55
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @Hickland4TX
X: @HicklandHillary
Janis Holt
State Representative for Texas House District 18
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @Holt4Texas
X: @JanisHolt59
Andy Hopper
State Representative for Texas House District 64
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @hopperfortexas
X: @AndyHopperTX
Lacey Hull
State Representative for Texas House District 138
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0727
Email: lacey.hull@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @LaceyHullForTexas
X: @LaceyHullTX
Todd Hunter
State Representative for Texas House District 32
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0672
Email: todd.hunter@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @todd.hunter.710
X: @Dist32StateRep
Carrie Isaac
State Representative for Texas House District 73
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0325
Email: carrie.isaac@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CarrieIsaacForTexas
X: @CarrieIsaac
Helen Kerwin
State Representative for Texas House District 58
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @helenkerwin4tx
X: @HelenKerwin4TX
Ken King
State Representative for Texas House District 88
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0736
Email: ken.king@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @KingForTexas
X: @KingForTexas
Stan Kitzman
State Representative for Texas House District 85
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0604
Email: stan.kitzman@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @StanKitzmanTX
X: @StanKitzmanTX
Marc LaHood
State Representative for Texas House District 121
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @MarcLaHoodCampaign
X: @LaHood4Texas
Stan Lambert
State Representative for Texas House District 71
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0718
Email: stan.lambert@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepStanLambert
X: @RepStanLambert
Brooks Landgraf
State Representative for Texas House District 81
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0546
Email: brooks.landgraf@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @BrooksLandgraf
X: @BrooksLandgraf
Jeff Leach
State Representative for Texas House District 67
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0544
Email: jeff.leach@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @leachfortexas
X: @leachfortexas
Mitch Little
State Representative for Texas House District 65
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @people/Mitch-Little-State-Rep-ELECT-HD-65/61552635488586/
X: @realmitchlittle
Janie Lopez
State Representative for Texas House District 37
Unconfirmed
Phone: 512-463-0640
Email: janie.lopez@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @JanieLopezForTexas
X: @JanieLopezForTX
AJ Louderback
State Representative for Texas House District 30
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @aj.louderback.1
X: @LouderbackAj
David Lowe
State Representative for Texas House District 91
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @DavidLowe4TX
X: @DavidLowe4Texas
J. M. Lozano
State Representative for Texas House District 43
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0463
Email: jm.lozano@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepJMLozano
X: @RepJMLozano
John Lujan
State Representative for Texas House District 118
Unconfirmed
Phone: 512-463-0714
Email: john.lujan@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @VoteLujan
X: @LujanForTX
Shelley Luther
State Representative for Texas House District 62
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @shelleylutherHD62
X: @ShelleyLuther
Don McLaughlin
State Representative for Texas House District 80
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @donfortexas
X: @donfortexas
John McQueeney
State Representative for Texas House District 97
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Facebook: @McQueeneyForTX
X: @JohnMcQueeneyTX
Will Metcalf
State Representative for Texas House District 16
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0726
Email: will.metcalf@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @WillMetcalfTX
X: @willmetcalfTX
Morgan Meyer
State Representative for Texas House District 108
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0367
Email: morgan.meyer@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @MorganMeyerForTexas
X: @MorganMeyerTX
Brent Money
State Representative for Texas House District 2
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @brentmoneytx
X: @BrentMoneyTX
Matt Morgan
State Representative for Texas House District 26
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @morganfortexas
X: @morgan4texas
Candy Noble
State Representative for Texas House District 89
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0186
Email: candy.noble@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CandyNobleHD89
X: @CandyNobleHD89
Michael Olcott
State Representative for Texas House District 60
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @votemikeolcott
X: @olcott4texas
Tom Oliverson
State Representative for Texas House District 130
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0661
Email: tom.oliverson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @TomOliverson
X: @TomOliverson
Angelia Orr
State Representative for Texas House District 13
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0600
Email: angelia.orr@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @AngeliaOrrForTX
X: @AngeliaOrrForTX
Jared Patterson
State Representative for Texas House District 106
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0694
Email: jared.patterson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @jpattersontx
X: @JaredLPatterson
Dennis Paul
State Representative for Texas House District 129
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0734
Email: dennis.paul@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @Dennis.Paul.HD129
X: @DennisPaul129
Dade Phelan
State Representative for Texas House District 21
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-1000
Email: dade.phelan@speaker.texas.gov
Facebook: @TexansForDade
X: @DadePhelan
Katrina Pierson
State Representative for Texas House District 33
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @KatrinaForTexas
X: @katrinapierson
Keresa Richardson
State Representative for Texas House District 61
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @keresafortexas
X: @KeresaForTexas
Nate Schatzline
State Representative for Texas House District 93
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0562
Email: nate.schatzline@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @NateforTexas
X: @NateSchatzline
Mike Schofield
State Representative for Texas House District 132
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0528
Email: mike.schofield@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @SchofieldForTexas
X: @RepSchofield
Alan Schoolcraft
State Representative for Texas House District 44
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @SchoolcraftforTX
X: @Schoolcraft4TX
Matt Shaheen
State Representative for Texas House District 66
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0594
Email: matt.shaheen@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @MattShaheenTexas
X: @MattShaheen
Joanne Shofner
State Representative for Texas House District 11
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @joannefortexans
X: @joannefortexans
Shelby Slawson
State Representative for Texas House District 59
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0628
Email: shelby.slawson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @SlawsonForTexas
X: @ShelbySlawson
John Smithee
State Representative for Texas House District 86
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0702
Email: john.smithee@house.texas.gov
David Spiller
State Representative for Texas House District 68
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0526
Email: david.spiller@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepresentativeDavidSpiller
X: @DavidSpillerTX
Valoree Swanson
State Representative for Texas House District 150
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0572
Email: valoree.swanson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @ValoreeSwansonforTexas
X: @ValoreeforTexas
Carl Tepper
State Representative for Texas House District 84
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0676
Email: carl.tepper@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @CarlTepperForTexas
X: @CarlTepper
Tony Tinderholt
State Representative for Texas House District 94
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0624
Email: tony.tinderholt@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @tonytinderholtfortexas
X: @reptinderholt
Steve Toth
State Representative for Texas House District 15
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0797
Email: steve.toth@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @RepresentativeSteveToth
X: @Toth_4_Texas
Ellen Troxclair
State Representative for Texas House District 19
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0490
Email: ellen.troxclair@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @EllenTroxclair
X: @EllenTroxclair
Gary VanDeaver
State Representative for Texas House District 1
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0692
Email: gary.vandeaver@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @GaryVanDeaverHD1
X: @GaryVanDeaver
Cody Vasut
State Representative for Texas House District 25
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0564
Email: cody.vasut@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @votevasut
X: @cvasut
Denise Villalobos
State Representative for Texas House District 34
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Facebook: @denise.etheridge.58
X: @DVillalobos20
Wesley Virdell
State Representative for Texas House District 53
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @wesvirdellfortexas
X: @wesvirdelltx
Trey Wharton
State Representative for Texas House District 12
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Facebook: @profile.php?id=61553738502474
X: @WhartonForTexas
Terry Wilson
State Representative for Texas House District 20
Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows
Phone: 512-463-0309
Email: terry.wilson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @TerryWilsonPage
X: @TerryWilsonTX
Terri Leo Wilson
State Representative for Texas House District 23
Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker
Phone: 512-463-0502
Email: terri.leo-wilson@house.texas.gov
Facebook: @TerriLeoWilson
X: @TerriLeoWilson
Continue Reading

Election

Election Day: America’s Last Stand Against a Descent into Darkness

Published

on

Watercolor of Trump, Fist up, bleeding, with sunrise and statue of liberty in background.

Opinion – Today is no ordinary election day; it’s a watershed moment, a last-ditch effort to reclaim the foundations of liberty in a country slipping rapidly toward authoritarianism. The vote you cast today may be the most consequential act of civic duty in your lifetime—a choice that could spell the difference between restoring our constitutional republic or watching its final decay. A vote for Donald Trump represents more than a candidate; it is a vote to preserve the freedoms and self-governance that generations have fought to safeguard. Without a decisive, overwhelming turnout that leaves no room for doubt or manipulation, we may be watching the end of the great American experiment.

For years now, a deep-seated erosion has taken hold in our institutions, our values, and even our communities. Government, once an instrument of the people, has been infiltrated by forces at odds with liberty and self-determination. This infiltration stretches from local school boards to federal agencies, with unelected bureaucrats and activist judges deciding what is best for the people, often ignoring the people’s will entirely. The outcome of this election will determine whether we, the American citizens, can assert ourselves against this encroaching authoritarianism, or whether we’re content to passively accept our descent into one-party rule.

The Stakes Could Not Be Higher

Let’s be clear about the stakes. If Kamala Harris were to ascend to the presidency, either through election or through a manufactured disqualification of Trump, it would signal the formal end of the two-party system. With 20 million illegal aliens on a path to citizenship—and therefore to voting—our electoral balance would be irreversibly skewed. In every state, their votes would drown out those of lawful citizens, effectively dismantling the prospect of a Republican president for generations. A one-party system, historically, is the path to poverty and oppression. The policies pursued by today’s Democratic leadership already show signs of those authoritarian leanings: centralization of power, stifling of dissent, and an alliance with a compliant media eager to silence the opposition.

Imagine a nation where the people’s choice no longer holds sway, where elections resemble those of one-party regimes, a mere show to legitimate those already chosen by the elite. A Harris administration would solidify a monopoly on power that would cripple our middle class, reduce our freedoms, and enforce an ever-growing dependency on government. We have seen such examples in every authoritarian regime throughout history: a downward spiral that relegates the majority to mere subsistence, while the elites grow ever more powerful. This is not hyperbole; this is the blueprint Democrats themselves have revealed through their policies, which elevate government authority over personal liberty.

And if they win, they won’t pretend to listen to the people any longer. Our Republic will become, in effect, an oligarchy, veiled in the trappings of democracy but devoid of its essence. This is what we face.

An Urgent Plea to American Patriots

This election must be too big to rig. Every American with even a passing sense of patriotism must turn out and vote—not just for Trump but for the very survival of our democratic processes. Our votes must overwhelm any margin of error, fraud, or manipulation. The Left has proven itself adept at working every lever within its reach to secure its desired outcomes, from ballot harvesting and mail-in voting to courtroom battles waged by teams of highly-paid lawyers who ensure that laws tilt their way. This is no time for complacency or hesitation; if we don’t assert ourselves now, the window will close, perhaps forever.

The Left’s Agenda is Already in Motion

If Trump wins, we should expect the Democrat machine to mobilize its forces against him once again. Their commitment to opposing him goes far beyond ideological difference; it is visceral, almost pathological. “Trump Derangement Syndrome” isn’t merely a phrase; it is the lens through which the Left has viewed him from day one. They don’t see him as merely a president or a politician—they see him as a threat to their power, and as such, they will deploy every available means to dismantle his administration and nullify the people’s choice.

Plans are already being made to ensure that Trump either cannot take office or, if he does, that his power will be so restricted he will be unable to enact any meaningful change. Impeachment efforts, relentless media attacks, judicial blockades—these tools have been utilized in the past and will be refined and unleashed again, with greater ferocity and purpose. The question is not whether the Left will resist Trump; it’s how far they’re willing to go, and if history is any indicator, they are willing to go all the way—even if it means tearing down the very institutions they claim to protect.

What We Stand to Lose

Our Constitution was crafted not just as a governing document, but as a safeguard against tyranny. But the Constitution is only as strong as the people’s will to uphold it. For too long, we’ve watched as unelected officials interpret, redefine, and often disregard it to fit the narratives of those in power. This election offers us a chance to reaffirm our commitment to self-governance. But if we fail to turn out in force, if we allow fraud and manipulation to taint the outcome, we will have lost the last true mechanism for resistance.

The cost of failure is unfathomable. A future without a middle class, a future where government dictates every aspect of life, a future in which dissent is crushed and replaced with Orwellian newspeak—the loss of American freedom would resonate globally. We cannot afford to assume that someone else will secure this future for us; the responsibility rests on each of us.

The Republic’s Last Stand

There will be no do-overs, no second chances, no reset button. This election is our moment to choose: to either reclaim our nation from the grips of radical ideologues or to watch its transformation into a state we no longer recognize. Freedom, once lost, is rarely regained without extraordinary sacrifice. But here and now, with a vote, we have the power to resist—to assert the founding principles of our Republic, to demand accountability, and to preserve the precious liberties that countless Americans have died defending.

So let this be your rallying cry, your mission, your civic duty: vote for Donald Trump, for freedom, for the Constitution, and for the America we know and love. Because if we lose today, we may never get another chance.

Continue Reading

Election

The Deep State’s Endgame: Tuesday, November 5

Published

on

Trump vs Harris - Endgame

Kamala Harris has now been installed as the Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election, effectively replacing Joe Biden without a single vote cast by the American people. In normal times, this usurp of democracy would send shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the integrity of the democratic process and the lengths to which the deep state will go to maintain control.

The Quiet Removal of Biden

The signs were there for months, if not years. Joe Biden, already struggling under the weight of his responsibilities as president, had become an increasing liability for the Democratic Party. Whispers about his cognitive decline had grown louder, and public appearances that once showcased a capable leader had turned into fodder for criticism and doubt. But once the decline was presented in full view of the American public at the debate with Donald Trump, the power brokers knew that the people would not accept the delusion of another Biden victory … the gig was up. So the decision was made behind closed doors to remove Biden from the ballot.

The official story presented by the party is one of a natural and necessary transition—a passing of the torch to the next generation of leadership. But the reality is far more concerning. Biden’s removal from the 2024 ticket was not the result of a fair and open democratic process. Instead, it was orchestrated by party elites and deep state operatives who feared that a Biden campaign, in light of his declining health and public perception, would be an insurmountable obstacle to retaining power. Presenting a Trump victory would become more important than maintaining any perception of democracy.

Kamala Harris: The Deep State’s Choice

With Biden out of the picture, Kamala Harris was swiftly installed as the Democratic candidate. This decision was made for a variety of reasons, most importantly, money. They needed a pseudo-legitimate excuse to take the campaign money from Biden. Choosing Harris would make it an easier sell to the public. Harris, who has consistently polled lower than Biden among key demographics, was not chosen by the people but by a select group of power brokers who believe she is the key to continuing their control over the nation’s future.

Harris’s installation as the candidate was the result of months of careful planning and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. The deep state, recognizing the need for a candidate who could be more easily controlled and who would continue to advance its agenda, saw Harris as the perfect figurehead. While the Democrat party needed her to secure the money. With her in place, they could ensure that the policies and strategies implemented during Biden’s presidency would continue unchallenged.

Rigging the Input, Not the Machines

In past elections, they used the real-time analytics from the voting machines to determine the number of fraudulent ballots they would need to bring in. In 2024, they will no longer concern themselves with analytics or trying to beat Trump by a “plausible” number of votes, they will simply flood the system with as many fraudulent votes as they can muster … right from the start. The goal is to preclude the possibility of Trump ever being in the lead. By controlling the flow and distribution of ballots, those behind the scenes can achieve the desired outcome without ever touching a voting machine.

This strategy involves a complex web of tactics, including the use of mail-in ballots, drop boxes, and ballot harvesting. But at the core of this approach lies a critical component: building a vast pool of potential voters whose identities can be exploited to cast fraudulent ballots.

The deep state and its allies have embarked on an aggressive campaign to expand the pool of registered voters, from which they can later draw to manufacture the ballots needed to tip the scales in their favor. This effort is far-reaching, targeting various segments of the population through tailored strategies designed to maximize registration numbers—often without the individual’s full awareness of how their information might be used.

  1. College Campuses: One of the prime targets for this voter registration drive is college campuses. With millions of students scattered across the country, many of whom are first-time voters, college campuses present a fertile ground for expanding the voter rolls. Registration drives on campuses are often presented as civic engagement initiatives, but behind the scenes, they serve a dual purpose. By registering students en masse, many of whom are transient and move frequently, the deep state creates a pool of voters who may be less likely to follow up on their ballots or even be aware that a ballot was cast in their name. When it’s all over, the media will report how remarkable, and exciting, that so many young people are choosing to engage in politics … but it’s all an illusion.
  2. Healthcare Providers and Elderly Patients: Another key tactic involves enlisting the help of doctors and healthcare providers, particularly those who care for elderly patients. These patients, many of whom may be in assisted living facilities or suffering from cognitive decline, become prime targets for voter registration. The HHS now has specific codes that Doctors must use to note that they asked their patients if they wanted to register to vote. Doctors are now encouraged to assist their patients in registering to vote, often under the guise of ensuring their voices are heard. However, once these elderly individuals are registered, their ballots can be easily manipulated or even cast without their knowledge, especially if they are no longer mentally capable of voting on their own.
  3. Targeting Youth Through Digital Platforms: Young people, who are more likely to engage with digital content than traditional forms of media, are another focus of the registration campaign. Through targeted ads on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, the deep state and its allies run campaigns that encourage young people to register to vote. These ads are often framed as non-partisan get-out-the-vote efforts, but the real goal is to flood the voter rolls with names that can later be used to generate fraudulent ballots. The transient nature of youth voters, many of whom may register in one state and move to another, creates opportunities for multiple ballots to be cast in their names across different states.
  4. Mass Mailings and Door-to-Door Canvassing: In addition to digital and healthcare-focused efforts, there is a concerted push to register voters through mass mailings and door-to-door canvassing. These methods, while seemingly innocuous, have the potential to generate vast numbers of registrations that can later be exploited. Canvassers, often working for non-profit organizations with ties to the deep state, are trained to encourage individuals to register, sometimes using misleading or deceptive tactics. Once registered, these voters’ information is fed into a database that can be accessed to create the ballots needed to sway the election.

Manipulating the Ballot Process

Once the pool of voters has been sufficiently expanded, the next step is sending out ballots in mass. Harvesters will then collect the ballots, fill them out, and then send them in. The result will be what appears to be an organic, legitimate set of ballots fed into the system. For the “dead people” vote, those ballots are likely to be printed and completed already, and sitting in a warehouse, ready to be fed into the system as early voting. On election night, Harris will immediately jump to the top of the results as the mail in ballots will be calculated first.

As the 2024 election approaches, the stakes could not be higher. A second Trump presidency would pose an existential threat to the deep state and its allies. With Trump back in office, the risk of exposure and dismantling of the deep state’s operations becomes all too real. For this reason, every possible measure is being taken to ensure that Kamala Harris not only wins the election but does so convincingly.

But the deep state faces a new challenge: how to secure a Harris victory in a way that doesn’t trigger widespread backlash or expose the methods used to achieve it. The removal of Biden from the ticket was a calculated risk, but it also opened the door to questions and doubts about the legitimacy of Harris’s candidacy. To counter this, the deep state is doubling down on its efforts to control the narrative and suppress any dissenting voices.

Democrats “Contingency Plan”

In the event that all attempts to manipulate the 2024 election fail and Donald Trump wins a second term, the Democrats have prepared a contingency plan that centers around invoking Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, also known as the “Insurrection Clause.” This clause disqualifies former government officials from holding office if they engaged in insurrection or rebellion after taking an oath to support the Constitution. Democrats argue that Trump’s alleged role in inciting the events of January 6, 2021, which they classify as an insurrection, makes him ineligible to serve as president again. This strategy is viewed as a last-resort effort to prevent Trump from assuming office on January 20, 2025, should he win the election.

Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) has been a vocal proponent of this plan, warning that the invocation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment on January 6, 2025, could potentially lead to civil unrest or even civil war. Raskin suggests that Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, were a direct attempt to undermine democracy and that preventing him from returning to the White House is not only justified but necessary to protect the nation. In anticipation of the potential backlash, Raskin has called for Democratic members of Congress to be given bodyguards, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the possible violent response from Trump supporters.

For Raskin’s plan to succeed, it would require the support of two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This presents a significant challenge, as achieving such a majority would necessitate substantial bipartisan cooperation, particularly from Republican members of Congress. With the current composition of Congress—212 Democrats and 220 Republicans in the House, and 47 Democrats, 4 Independents voting with Democrats, and 49 Republicans in the Senate—Raskin’s plan hinges on whether enough Republicans, particularly those labeled as “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only), would be willing to join Democrats in disqualifying Trump.

This contingency plan has reportedly been in the works for several years, reflecting a broader strategy by some within the Democratic Party to ensure that Trump does not return to the White House under any circumstances. This approach underscores the deep divisions within the country and the lengths to which some are willing to go to prevent Trump’s re-election.

The Implications for American Democracy

As the nation heads into the 2024 election, the American people must ask themselves whether they are willing to accept a candidate chosen for them by elites, or whether they will demand a return to a system where the people’s voice truly matters. The deep state has shown its hand, and now it is up to the citizens of this country to decide what kind of future they want for themselves and for generations to come.

In the end, the 2024 election will not just be a contest between two candidates but a battle between good vs evil. The choice before the American people is not just about who will occupy the White House but whether they are willing to stand up against a system that seeks to control and manipulate them. Kamala Harris may have been installed as the candidate, but the power to determine the future still lies in the hands of the people—if they are willing to take it. The concept of being “too big to rig” is now more critical than ever. By overwhelming the system with a massive turnout of freedom-loving MAGA supporters, the American people can push back against the deep state’s efforts, ensuring that no amount of manipulation or rigging can silence their collective voice. The future of the republic depends on it.

Continue Reading

Trending