Texas GOP Doubles Down On Republican Patriotism

A fiery showdown is coming to the Texas Capitol this weekend, as the Republican Party prepares to decide whether several GOP lawmakers are too moderate to represent conservative voters.

For the first time in state history, the Texas Republican Party will hold a tribunal to decide if ten GOP legislators violated the party’s conservative principles — a move that could block them from the 2026 Republican primary ballot.

🔥 Grassroots vs. Establishment: Battle for the Soul of the Texas GOP

The State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) will meet Saturday to review allegations that several state representatives “worked against party priorities” during this year’s legislative session.

Their offenses include supporting Speaker Dustin Burrows and backing a rules package that allowed Democrats to retain influence on key committees — a move that outraged conservative activists.

While Burrows faces only a censure — allowing the party to campaign against him — seven of his allies could be completely banned from the GOP ballot. Those include Angie Chen Button, Cody Harris, Jeff Leach, Morgan Meyer, Angelia Orr, Jared Patterson, and Gary VanDeaver.

Even former Speaker Dade Phelan, who is retiring, isn’t escaping scrutiny after angering conservatives with his handling of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment.

⚖️ Rule 44: A Conservative Weapon or Political Overreach?

At the heart of this storm is the expanded Rule 44, passed by the Texas GOP in 2024, giving the party power to bar censured officials from appearing on Republican ballots.

Originally adopted in 2016, the rule was rarely used. But now, it’s the centerpiece of a growing grassroots movement to hold “RINO” politicians accountable for betraying conservative voters.

The rule has already been used against Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) for supporting a bipartisan gun law and against Phelan over his treatment of the Paxton impeachment.

Conservative attorney Justin Nichols, who helped draft the new rule, says this is exactly what the grassroots demanded:

“You wanted the power to hold politicians accountable — now’s your chance.”

But party chair Abraham George urged caution, warning that the Texas GOP must “get it right” before making such consequential decisions. SREC member Rolando Garcia added that Rule 44 should be used “sparingly, for the most egregious cases.”

🗳️ Texas GOP Faces Defining Moment

Each proposed censure must win a three-fifths vote from the 64-member SREC. Even if only a few succeed, the decisions could reshape the future of Texas politics — determining whether the Republican Party stays true to its conservative base or softens under establishment pressure.

For many Texas conservatives, this isn’t just about party discipline. It’s about loyalty, integrity, and standing firm with President Trump’s America First movement.

This weekend’s vote will reveal whether the Texas GOP will remain a party of strong conservative values — or cave to the moderates who have too often sided with Democrats.

💬 Do you believe moderate Republicans should be barred from the GOP ballot?