Ten Texas Republicans Face Possible Ballot Ban

The Republican Party of Texas is considering censuring ten of its own state lawmakers — including House Speaker Dustin Burrows — a move that could lead to them being barred from the GOP primary ballot in March.

According to a report by the Houston Chronicle, the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) will take up resolutions submitted by local party officials at a meeting scheduled for October 11. These resolutions accuse the lawmakers of violating party principles, a charge that could carry significant political consequences under a new internal rule.

At the center of the controversy is Speaker Burrows, who is being criticized for securing his leadership position using Democratic support, and for appointing Democrats to several committee leadership roles. The resolution targeting him does not explicitly mean disqualification from the ballot, but seeks to discourage his reelection as a Republican and allows the party to campaign against him.

The names of the other lawmakers are Reps. Dade Phelan, Morgan Meyer, Angie Chen Button, Angelia Orr, Cody Harris, Jared Patterson, Stan Lambert, Jeff Leach, and Gary VanDeaver. If the censures are approved, they could face formal efforts to prevent them from filing as Republican candidates.

Under updated state party rules, county chairs can reject primary applications from censured lawmakers. Approval of a censure requires 60% support from the SREC.

SREC Chair Abraham George has invited the lawmakers to attend the meeting and defend themselves, urging direct and open dialogue to resolve internal conflict.