Third Time’s a Charm
Liberty County, Texas – September 7, 2023
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Texas political landscape, the Liberty County Republican Party Executive Committee has issued a resolution in support of censuring Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (District 21). The resolution, mirroring a similar one adopted by the Orange County Republican Party—the largest county in Speaker Phelan’s district—and the Republican Party of Ellis County, has reignited the ongoing battle for the soul of the Texas Republican Party.
The Liberty County Republican Party’s resolution, known as Rule 44, was established by grassroots volunteers to hold elected officials accountable when they stray from established core Republican Party principles. It asserts that despite the substantial Republican majority in the Texas Legislature, challenges persist in achieving the party’s legislative agenda.
The resolution begins with a tribute to grassroots volunteers, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping and promoting the party’s principles and values. These volunteers, often seen as the lifeblood of the Texas Republican Party, have played a significant role in securing Republican victories in statewide elections and establishing robust majorities in the state legislature.
However, it’s within this context of apparent party success that the controversy surrounding Speaker Dade Phelan has arisen. Despite the Republican majority, some within the party have been dissatisfied with the pace and extent of legislative action on key issues.
The resolution points to the censure of Speaker Phelan by the Orange County Republican Party as a precedent. Orange County’s move sparked a broader debate about the direction of the Republican Party in Texas, prompting other county parties to consider similar actions.
Furthermore, the Republican Party of Ellis County has also officially passed their own censure of Speaker Phelan. Their resolution, passed in a vote of 24-1, takes aim at Phelan’s record of opposing core principles of the Republican Party of Texas. Most notably, the Ellis County GOP calls out Phelan for giving committee chairmanships to Democrats, despite the Texas GOP encouraging legislators to end the practice.
“State Representative Dade Phelan, as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, has abused the power of his office and his authority as Speaker by taking more than three actions during this current biennium that are either in opposition to the core principles of the Republican Party of Texas, in opposition to the Republican Party of Texas Legislative Priorities, or both,” reads the resolution from Ellis County.
The censure resolutions from Orange County, Ellis County, and now Liberty County highlight a growing rift within the Texas Republican Party. Supporters of the censure argue that it sends a clear message to elected officials that they must align with the party’s platform and the values of their constituents. They see it as a necessary step to maintain the party’s conservative identity and ensure that Republicans in Texas remain true to their principles.
However, not everyone within the party agrees with this approach. Some argue that censuring Speaker Phelan is divisive and counterproductive. They worry that it could lead to further fractures within the Republican Party at a time when unity is needed to face political challenges from Democrats and other opponents.
Speaker Phelan himself has not remained silent on the issue. In response to the censure resolutions, he has defended his record and his commitment to conservative principles. He maintains that he has worked tirelessly to advance the Republican agenda and that the party should focus on achieving common goals rather than engaging in internal strife.
The Liberty County Republican Party’s resolution has ignited a broader debate about the role of grassroots activists and the direction of the Texas Republican Party. It raises questions about the balance between holding elected officials accountable and maintaining party unity.
As the resolution gains attention and momentum, it remains to be seen how it will impact the upcoming political landscape in Texas. Will other county parties follow suit and endorse the censure of Speaker Phelan, or will this be a localized controversy? Only time will tell.
For now, the battle for the soul of the Texas Republican Party rages on, with grassroots activists and party leaders locked in a struggle over the party’s future direction. The censure of Speaker Dade Phelan represents a pivotal moment in this ongoing political drama, and its repercussions will be felt throughout the state and beyond.