The Texas Republican Party is ramping up pressure on lawmakers supporting Rep. Dustin Burrows in the race for House speaker, urging them to unite behind his opponent, Rep. David Cook. Text messages from party chair Abraham George have been sent to Republican lawmakers, warning of potential censure if they do not support Cook. This comes amid a heated intra-party fight over the speakership, with Cook winning the House GOP Caucus endorsement and Burrows claiming bipartisan support. The Texas GOP has also aired attack ads against Burrows and county leaders have vowed to censure lawmakers supporting him.
The party’s increased activism in candidate endorsements and attacks on lawmakers deemed “Republicans in Name Only” reflects a shift from its traditional focus on fundraising and voter outreach. While some members, including Rep. Matt Shaheen, support Cook and criticize the party’s attacks on Republicans, George defends the strategy as a way to prioritize unity over conflict and focus resources on attacking Democrats. The Texas GOP has declined an interview request on the text messages, but George has expressed hope that Republicans will come together amid the infighting.
As the battle for control of the party continues, the Texas Republican Party’s aggressive tactics in the speakership race signal a new approach to internal disputes and underscore the growing divide within the party.
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