Two Prominent Republicans Are Being Tested in Texas Runoffs, Halfway Through Primary Season

The 2024 primary season has reached its midpoint with minimal changes so far, as only one U.S. House member has been defeated and most state Capitol incumbents have emerged victorious.

However, the upcoming runoffs in Texas are a crucial test for two prominent Republicans: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who has diverged on issues related to guns and the border, and influential state House Speaker Dade Phelan, who has faced backlash from the party’s far right over the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

The battles to secure their positions have highlighted the perils of dissent within the GOP, prompting both politicians to fight back fiercely in contentious and expensive races. A potential loss for Gonzales could open the door for Democrats to flip a traditionally moderate district in the November elections, while a change in Texas House leadership could shift the state’s policies even further to the right.

“You’ve got to be a brawler,” stated Bill Miller, a veteran Republican strategist in Texas. “It’s expected. If you aren’t willing to do that, you are an outcast.”

Other Texas runoff races are also garnering attention.

Katrina Pierson, a former spokesperson for Donald Trump, is on the ballot for a state House seat near Dallas. Republican voters are also choosing a challenger to Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, who recently faced indictments on conspiracy and bribery charges. Cuellar maintains his innocence.

Thus far, only one House member, Republican Rep. Jerry Carl of Alabama, has been ousted in the primaries after losing to another incumbent, Rep. Barry Moore, due to redistricting.

Gonzales, who received 45% of the vote in March against five challengers, is facing a tough test in the primaries. He is up against Brandon Herrera, a gun-rights activist on YouTube known as “The AK Guy,” in the district where the Uvalde school shooting occurred in 2022.

“The state party of Texas has moved very far to the right, even farther than where the Republicans in D.C. are right now,” said Brian Smith, a political science professor at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, referring to the internal struggles within the Texas GOP as “a fight for the soul of the party.”

Despite facing challenges, Gonzales has received support from key party figures such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, and has downplayed criticism from the state party. Gonzales defended his voting record, emphasizing his commitment to the Constitution and the protection of children.

Meanwhile, Herrera has been taunting Gonzales on social media, calling his campaign “desperate.”

On the state level, Phelan’s leadership in the Texas House has been viewed favorably by conservatives. However, he too has faced censure from the state party for not adhering to Republican principles and priorities.

Phelan, who finished second in a primary challenge led by Paxton, now faces an uphill battle to secure the nomination, with potential implications for party leadership in the state Capitol.