Ken Paxton backs Texas primary challengers to remove political rivals on Super Tuesday
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Endorsements Aim to Shake Up Super Tuesday Elections
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is making waves with his recent endorsements, signaling his determination to disrupt the upcoming Super Tuesday elections and challenge his rivals who led his impeachment last year.
On Tuesday, voters will have the opportunity to elect 150 state representatives, 15 state senators, 11 judges, 38 members of the House of Representatives, and the senate seat currently held by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), among other state offices. With a whopping 101 Republican primary candidates vying for these seats, many of whom Paxton has thrown his support behind, the race is heating up.
Targeting Speaker of the Texas House Rep. Dade Phelan
One of Paxton’s primary targets is Speaker of the Texas House Rep. Dade Phelan (R), who is seeking reelection. Phelan found himself in Paxton’s crosshairs after presiding over his impeachment. Paxton has launched attacks against Phelan, accusing him of being intoxicated on the job and pointing to a moment during the trial where Phelan’s speech appeared slurred. In response, Phelan has unleashed attack ads against Paxton, focusing on his near impeachment and alleged affair with a staffer. However, Paxton won’t face reelection until 2026, having recently secured his third term in 2022.
Paxton has thrown his support behind David Covey, Phelan’s opponent, who previously served as a delegate in the 2016 Republican National Convention. Despite Covey’s history of voting for Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), he has also managed to secure the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, which has undoubtedly helped him raise nearly $400,000 in campaign funds.
However, Phelan, who is approaching his ten-year anniversary in the House, has amassed an impressive $6 million in support. Nevertheless, the Super Tuesday election marks the first time Phelan will face primary opposition, as he has run unopposed since the 2016 election.
Challenging Republican Congressional Members
Paxton’s endorsements extend beyond the state level, with 30 challengers against Republican congressional members also receiving his support. Interestingly, Paxton’s list of endorsements clashes with that of Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX), adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming elections.
Targeting Judges in the Texas Criminal Court of Appeals
Paxton is not limiting his endorsements to politicians alone. He is also throwing his weight behind opponents of three judges in the Texas Criminal Court of Appeals: Sharon Keller, Michelle Slaughter, and Barbara Hervey. These judges ruled against Paxton’s authority to prosecute cases of election interference. Keller and Hervey hold the distinction of being among the state’s longest-serving judges, with 23 and 30 years of service, respectively.
Paxton’s Campaign Efforts
Paxton has been actively involved in campaign events, attending a barbecue for David Lowe, who is challenging Rep. Stephanie Klick of the 91st district in the North Richland Hills area. He also organized an event in Austin, alongside his wife Sen. Angela Paxton, to rally support and encourage voter turnout, featuring five Republican challengers.
As Super Tuesday approaches, all eyes are on Texas, where Paxton’s endorsements and the ensuing battles promise an exciting and unpredictable electoral showdown.
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What are some of the reasons Paxton believes Covey is the better candidate to represent conservative values in Texas?
Paxton believes that Covey is the better candidate to represent the conservative values of Texas. In a recent statement, Paxton praised Covey’s commitment to limited government, lower taxes, and protecting constitutional rights, while criticizing Phelan for his alleged misconduct and failure to uphold conservative principles.
Controversial Endorsements and Their Impact
In addition to supporting Covey, Paxton has also endorsed several other candidates across Texas, aiming to influence the outcome of Super Tuesday elections. Notably, he has thrown his weight behind State Rep. Bryan Slaton (R), who is challenging incumbent State Rep. Dan Huberty (R-Humble). Huberty, who chaired the House Education Committee, drew Paxton’s ire when he opposed the attorney general’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Paxton’s endorsement of Slaton is seen as a direct challenge to Huberty’s leadership and reputation.
Furthermore, Paxton has backed several candidates for judicial positions, including State Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman and Texas 3rd District Court of Appeals Justice Elizabeth Kerr. Both justices have been criticized by conservatives for their perceived liberal leanings, and Paxton’s endorsements aim to sway voters towards more conservative alternatives that align with his own ideology.
While endorsements in political campaigns are nothing new, Paxton’s involvement in the Super Tuesday elections brings a new level of intensity and rivalry. His endorsements are seen as strategic moves to consolidate power within the state and challenge those who have opposed him in the past. By endorsing candidates who align with his conservative values, Paxton hopes to reshape the political landscape of Texas and assert his influence on key decision-making processes.
The Implications for Super Tuesday
With Paxton’s endorsements, the Super Tuesday elections in Texas have taken on added significance. As the state attorney general, Paxton wields considerable influence and can sway voters’ opinions through his support of specific candidates. The endorsements signal his determination to assert his political power and challenge those who have stood against him.
Additionally, Paxton’s endorsements highlight the ideological divisions within the Republican Party in Texas. By supporting candidates who align with his views, Paxton is further polarizing the party and potentially widening the gaps between different factions. The Super Tuesday elections will serve as a battleground for these competing ideologies, and the results will provide valuable insights into the future direction of Texas politics.
Conclusion
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent endorsements have injected a new level of intensity into the upcoming Super Tuesday elections. Paxton’s determination to challenge his rivals and shape the political landscape of Texas is evident in his support of specific candidates who align with his conservative values. As voters head to the polls, the impact of Paxton’s endorsements and their implications for the Republican Party and Texas politics as a whole will become clear. Super Tuesday will not only shape the immediate future of Texas but could also have broader implications for the national political landscape.
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