It’s a bit of a tumultuous time for Texas Republicans, especially with the state convention happening in Houston. Tensions are palpable, and one voice is making waves: Former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. He’s stirring the pot with a one-minute ad that bluntly states, “I won’t vote for Ken Paxton.” You can catch this ad on conservative radio during the convention on Friday and Saturday, and it’s backed by the pro-James Talarico super PAC, Lone Star Rising, which has invested around $5,000 to keep it running throughout the campaign season. Whitley isn’t holding back; he’s using his 16 years as the top county executive in Tarrant County—the biggest red county in the nation—to make his case against Paxton.
In the ad, Whitley pulls no punches, criticizing Paxton for a laundry list of issues—scandals, an indictment, and even allegations of infidelity. He argues that Paxton has prioritized his interests over those of everyday Texans, a sentiment echoed by the fact that 60 Republican members of the Texas House voted to impeach him in 2023 for abusing his office. Although Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate, the damage seems to linger, and Whitley is just one of many voices calling for a change. While he’s committed to backing conservative candidates, he’s clear: Paxton’s not one of them. Whitley emphasizes the need for character, integrity, and accountability—values he believes are essential for conservatism.
Growing Defections in the GOP
Interestingly, Whitley isn’t alone in his stance. Former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, a fellow Republican, has publicly declared she won’t support Paxton either, labeling him as “corrupt and immoral.” The divisions in the party are becoming more apparent, especially as other former supporters of Paxton like Dan Cogdell have shifted their allegiance to Talarico in the U.S. Senate race. Cogdell, who once defended Paxton, has criticized him for losing sight of his mission to represent Texans, while praising Talarico for his approach to unity.
As the convention unfolds, the ad is strategically targeting GOP voters who are increasingly worried about Paxton’s legal and ethical troubles, particularly his ongoing securities fraud case and the fallout from his impeachment. Interestingly, amid all this, Paxton’s wife, Republican state Sen. Angela Paxton, has filed for divorce, citing “Biblical grounds.” Talk about a soap opera!
Complex Relationships and Party Dynamics
The political landscape is further complicated by the relationship between Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Ken Paxton. Burrows, who was among the 60 lawmakers that voted for Paxton’s impeachment, has since congratulated him following his runoff victory against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, calling Paxton a “steadfast conservative fighter for Texas.” This back-and-forth shows just how fractured the party is. Some lawmakers who once voted for impeachment are now throwing their support behind Paxton, while others remain skeptical, voicing concerns about his ability to truly represent Texas values. It’s more than just politics at play; it’s about trust and loyalty within the GOP.
As the Texas Republican Party gears up for the upcoming election, key figures like Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are urging for unity, despite the evident rifts. They seem to recognize that a divided party could jeopardize their chances in the November election. With Talarico working hard to attract both independent and Republican voters in a state that hasn’t seen a Democrat win a statewide race in 32 years, the stakes are incredibly high.
With the convention in full swing, it’s clear that the future of Texas conservatism is up for debate, and with voices like Whitley’s stepping up, the conversation is only just beginning. For more details on this evolving situation, check out the full article here. For further context about the impeachment and its impact on the Republican landscape, you can read more here.