Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan Wins Renomination in Bruising Republican Primary Battle

The Speaker of the Texas House, Dade Phelan, emerged victorious in a hard-fought runoff election on Tuesday, defeating a challenger backed by former President Donald J. Trump and his supporters. The race, which took place in a southeast Texas district, was marked by intense political maneuvering and record-breaking campaign spending.

Despite facing a tough challenge from first-time candidate David Covey, Phelan managed to rally his supporters and secure a decisive victory. In his victory speech, Phelan denounced the tactics used against him, declaring that his district was not for sale.

The outcome of the election is likely to have significant implications for Texas politics, as Phelan’s opponents sought to shift the balance of power in the state legislature. The Speaker’s victory, however, signals a potential setback for the hard-right faction of the Republican Party, which includes figures like state attorney general Ken Paxton and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

As Phelan looks ahead to the general election in November, the question remains whether he will retain his position as Speaker of the Texas House. With potential challengers already being suggested, the stage is set for a renewed battle for control of the state legislature. The outcome of this race could have far-reaching consequences for the future direction of Texas politics.