Texas Senate Race Sparks Big Party Split
The Texas Republican Party remains deeply divided over its latest Senate nominee—Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Three years ago, most Texas House Republicans voted to impeach Paxton on allegations of abuse of office and bribery.
Now, after winning the Republican runoff against former U.S. Senator John Cornyn with backing from President Donald Trump, Paxton faces mixed reactions from his own party.
Reversals and Alliances
- Speaker Dustin Burrows
- Initially helped bring the impeachment to a vote.
- Now calls Paxton “a steadfast conservative fighter” and pledges support for the upcoming election.
- Burrows’ shift underscores how political alliances can change quickly when a big race is on the line.
- Representative Jeff Leach
- Chairs the House Judiciary Committee that oversaw impeachment.
- Continues to question Paxton’s conduct, especially after a recent plea deal in a child‑abuse case negotiated by Paxton’s office.
Threatened to subpoena Paxton, demanding transparency and accountability.
- Former Speaker Dade Phelan
- Warns that Paxton’s candidacy could harm the party.
- Claims many Republicans would refuse to vote for him, risking loss of control in Texas’s legislature and courts.
- Believes Paxton is unready for a high‑profile race, fearing voters may see him as weak.
Broader Struggle
The split among Burrows, Leach, and Phelan illustrates a wider struggle within Texas Republicans.
While the party has tried to move past the impeachment controversy, the Senate race forces them to confront it anew.
The outcome will determine whether Texas Republicans can unite behind a single candidate or if internal divisions will weaken their electoral prospects.
