Texas Republican Leaders Targeting Own Party Members in Super Tuesday Primaries, Biden and Trump Discuss Immigration
Super Tuesday Primaries Heat Up in Texas
As Super Tuesday approaches, the political landscape in Texas is heating up. While President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump dominate the national stage, it’s the statewide Republican primaries that are grabbing attention. Political reporter Jack Fink takes us through the latest developments in the Lone Star State’s political battleground.
Bruising Battles in Texas House District 21
One of the most closely watched races is taking place in Texas House District 21. House Speaker Dade Phelan finds himself in a fight to hold onto his seat in Beaumont. What makes this race particularly contentious is the endorsement battle between Phelan and his challenger, David Covey. Phelan has secured the support of former Gov. Rick Perry, while Covey has gained endorsements from prominent figures such as Attorney General Ken Paxton and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The race has become increasingly negative, with Covey stating, “This is the nastiest, most negative campaign I’ve ever seen in Texas legislative history.”
Phelan’s decision to initiate a secret House investigation last year into allegations against Paxton’s former top lieutenants has made him a target for Trump and Paxton. Despite being cleared by the Senate after a trial, Paxton continues to argue that the investigation was a waste of taxpayer money. Phelan’s ability to raise millions of dollars and support House Republicans who voted to impeach Paxton has only intensified the battle.
Collin County and Denton County Showdowns
The primary battles extend beyond Texas House District 21. Collin County and Denton County have become hotspots for clashes between House Republicans. In Collin County, incumbent Jeff Leach faces a challenge from Daren Meis in the 67th House District. This race has caught the attention of both Abbott and Paxton, with the governor backing Leach and Paxton supporting Meis. The rivalry between Abbott and Paxton extends to other races in Collin County, Denton County, and Dallas County.
Conservative voters are left wondering what this endorsement divide means for their preferred candidates. Jack Fink recently asked Gov. Abbott about the conflicting endorsements, to which he responded by emphasizing the importance of school choice to Republicans. Abbott sees himself as the champion fighting for the goals of conservatives, particularly on the issue of school choice.
Border Politics Take Center Stage
As the primary battles rage on, the Texas border has become a focal point for both President Biden and former President Trump. With Biden visiting Brownsville and Trump in Eagle Pass, the issue of border security remains a top concern for Texas voters. A recent poll by the Texas Politics Project revealed that border security is the number one concern for 24 percent of voters, closely followed by immigration at 18 percent.
The significance of the border issue is not limited to Texas. Polls conducted by Emerson College show that immigration ranks as the top concern in battleground states such as Arizona and second in Nevada, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The attention given to border politics underscores the importance of addressing this issue effectively for both parties.
Voters’ Vibes for November
While Biden and Trump continue to solidify their positions within their respective parties, supporters on both sides are already strategizing for the November election. CBS News Texas spoke with Texas Republicans backing Trump and Democrats supporting Biden to gain insight into their thinking. These discussions provide a glimpse into the campaign strategies being considered by supporters.
Stay Updated with Eye on Politics
For the latest political news in Texas and beyond, tune in to Eye on Politics with Jack Fink. As CBS News Texas’ political reporter, Fink delves into the biggest stories shaping North Texas politics. Catch new episodes every Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on air and online.
In the midst of Super Tuesday primaries and border politics, Texas is at the forefront of the national political landscape. The battles within the Republican Party and the ongoing discussion surrounding immigration highlight the significance of the Lone Star State in shaping the future of American politics.
