Texas Senate Race Sparks Big Party Split

The Texas Republican Party is still divided over its newest Senate nominee, Attorney General Ken Paxton. Three years ago, most Texas House Republicans voted to impeach Paxton for alleged abuse of office and bribery. Now, after winning the Republican runoff against former U. S. Senator John Cornyn with support from President Donald Trump, Paxton faces mixed reactions from his own party. Some lawmakers who once voted for impeachment have changed their stance. Speaker Dustin Burrows, who helped bring the impeachment to a vote, now calls Paxton “a steadfast conservative fighter” and says he will back him in the upcoming election. Burrows’ shift shows how political alliances can change quickly when a big race is on the line. Other Republicans remain uneasy. Representative Jeff Leach, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee that oversaw the impeachment process, keeps questioning Paxton’s conduct.Leach is especially concerned about a recent plea deal involving a child‑abuse case that Paxton’s office negotiated. He has even threatened to subpoena Paxton for answers, saying the state needs transparency and accountability. Former Speaker Dade Phelan also warns that Paxton’s candidacy could hurt the party. Phelan says many Republicans would refuse to vote for Paxton and that this could cost the party control in Texas’s legislature and courts. He believes Paxton is not ready for a high‑profile race and that the state could suffer if voters see him as weak. The split among Burrows, Leach and Phelan illustrates a broader struggle within Texas Republicans. They have tried to move past the impeachment controversy, but the Senate race forces them to confront it again. The outcome will decide whether Texas Republicans can unite behind a single candidate or if internal divisions will weaken their chances.