Results for the most anticipated runoff election of the night are coming to a close and Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, the top target for far-right GOP members declared victory Tuesday over a well-funded challenger endorsed by AG Ken Paxton, Donald Trump and his allies.
Phelan’s victory in the primary signifies a stronghold for the business-minded establishment of the Texas GOP, fending off far-right challengers.
Phelan managed to survive far-right attacks for his vote supporting AG Ken Paxton’s impeachment and for having Democratic chairs in committees. His victory highlighs the continued influence of traditional Republican power brokers and their commitment to moderate conservative governance.
In the initial round of the Republican primary in March, Phelan trailed his opponent, former Orange County GOP chairman David Covey, by nearly 1,000 votes.
During his victory speech, Phelan said “HD 21 is not for sale!”
Covey released a statement titled “King of Democrats Dade Phelan Steals Election” where he states: “Dade Phelan may have won this election, but in doing so, he has irrevocably destroyed his already feeble legacy. The Texas history books will undoubtedly record how a frightened Speaker, desperate to save his political future, mobilized the very party he claims to oppose. This betrayal of his own principles and supporters is a stain that will never be washed away.”
