Texas Runoff Results: Establishment Conservatives Triumph in Key Races
In the Texas runoffs held on Tuesday, establishment conservatives emerged victorious in notable races, both on the state and federal levels.
Congressional Race: Tony Gonzales vs. Brandon Herrera
In the U.S. House race for Texas' 23rd Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Tony Gonzales defeated YouTube star Brandon Herrera. Gonzales, a 43-year-old congressman, narrowly secured the win with fewer than 500 votes separating the candidates. Supported by prominent Republicans such as House Speaker Mike Johnson and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Gonzales had been criticized as a moderate due to his past support for same-sex marriage protections and a bipartisan gun safety bill. The district gained particular attention after the tragic school shooting in Uvalde two years ago, which influenced the campaign dynamics significantly.
State Legislative Races: Abbott's and Paxton's Campaigns
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts targeted state lawmakers opposing his school voucher program, yielding significant results. Six out of eight state House GOP incumbents lost their runoff races, particularly those who had voted against school vouchers in recent legislative sessions. These results contributed to a shift towards a pro-school choice majority in the state House.
On the other hand, Attorney General Ken Paxton's revenge campaign against Republicans who spearheaded impeachment efforts against him was less successful. House Speaker Dade Phelan, who led the effort to impeach Paxton, won his runoff against Trump-backed challenger David Covey by 366 votes. Phelan received strong opposition from Paxton supporters and other influential figures within the Texas GOP but ultimately maintained his position.
Key Victories for Abbott and Establishment Republicans
Overall, Abbott's strategic endorsements led to a statewide shift towards his policy agenda, particularly in promoting school vouchers. Meanwhile, establishment conservatives like Gonzales and Phelan demonstrated resilience against far-right challengers, which may shape the Republican party dynamics in upcoming elections. The outcomes reveal an ongoing tension within the party between traditional conservatives and more radical factions.