ICYMI: Attorney General Ken Paxton released the following statement on May 28th, demanding the implementation of closed primaries.
“Texans, we can no longer ignore the betrayal we witnessed in this election. Dade Phelan, in a desperate attempt to secure his political future, orchestrated a strategy that relied on Democrats voting for him in the Republican runoff. He knew he couldn't win on his own merit, so he sought to bolster his chances by courting Democrat support in his district.
The Covey campaign has identified at least 1,442 Democrats who voted early in Jefferson County, making up 20% of Jefferson County's early vote numbers. Without Democrats, Dade never would have won.
Dade Phelan has not only failed Texans across the state but has blatantly stolen an election from the hard-working people of his district. This treachery is a slap in the face to every true Republican who believes in fair and honest elections.
We cannot stand idly by. We must close our primaries. Tonight, weak and liberal Republican incumbents lost across the State of Texas, but Democrats swooped in and saved Dade Phelan. This kind of underhanded manipulation cannot be tolerated. The Republican Party of Texas must take immediate action to secure our Republican Primaries.
My message to Austin is clear: to those considering supporting Dade Phelan as Speaker in 2025, ask your 15 colleagues who lost re-election how they feel about their decision now. You will not return if you vote for Dade Phelan again,” said Paxton.