Texas GOP's Hunger Games: The Speaker's Race Edition

The Republican Party’s greatest enemy? Themselves.

https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/texas-gops-hunger-games-the-speakers




Republicans have long cultivated a reputation for aggression, both in rhetoric and in action. From the horrifying violence of January 6 to countless acts of domestic terrorism over the past decade, the pattern is undeniable. So, it should come as no surprise that this appetite for hostility has turned inward, manifesting as Republican-on-Republican violence in the chaotic spectacle of the Speaker’s race.

With 32 days left until the official start of the 89th Legislative Session, the Speaker’s race is heating up, and Republicans are lashing out in what they do best—violence.

Earlier this week, it was reported that one of Dustin Burrows’ (R-HD83) Republican supporters had been receiving threats of violence from their Republican base.

Burrows condemned what he called “threat and intimidation.” Actions like this should come as a surprise. During the primary season, an Orange County man was arrested for making threats against Speaker Dade Phelan (for being an alleged secret Democrat). Then, several other men were investigated for showing up at Phelan’s home and accosting his wife.

These were Republican voters triggered by the Republican’s rhetoric against other Republicans. Now that Dade Phelan (R-HD21) has stepped down as Speaker and Burrows has stepped up to take his place, the Republican ire is directed at Burrows and his supporters.