Earlier this month, Texas state Reps. Brian Harrison (R), Nate Schatzline (R), Tony Tinderholt (R), and Steve Toth (R) were investigated for openly campaigning against their colleagues. The lawmakers' efforts proved to be successful as 15 House Republican incumbents lost their seat. The lawmakers have now been censured by the Texas House GOP Caucus, and they face being expelled from the delegation.
Caucus Chairman Tom Oliverson (R) commented on the complaint that was filed earlier this month, confirming that "a report was made to the Caucus Executive Committee that certain members had violated Sections 7.09 and/or 7.10 (Financial Support During Elections and Campaigning) of our Caucus bylaws."
With the lawmakers in question now being censured, they have released a statement, slamming the Texas House GOP Caucus and affirming their stance on campaigning against their colleagues.
In a statement shared on social media, the Texas Republicans shared that they "were notified tonight we have been CENSURED by the Texas House GOP Caucus for campaigning with Gov. Abbott, Sen. Cruz, Lt. Gov Patrick, AG Paxton, and Comm. Miller against liberal incumbents." "We would’ve happily been expelled from the Texas House GOP Caucus, which worked with Democrats to help re-elect liberal Speaker Dade Phelan."
🚨Update/Breaking: Reps. @reptinderholt, @NateSchatzline, @Toth_4_Texas, and I were just CENSURED by the @TXGOPCaucus...
For campaigning with @GregAbbott_TX, @DanPatrick, @tedcruz, & @KenPaxtonTX against liberal #Txlege incumbents.
What a joke.
Statement👇#txlege pic.twitter.com/akbKylJQx5
— Brian Harrison (@brianeharrison) June 11, 2024
The lawmakers noted that they "are proud to have helped many true conservatives join the Texas House; something we will continue to do, regardless of any absurd caucus rules designed to protect the uniparty swamp."
"At a time when Republicans should be unifying against Democrats, the Caucus is divisively punishing conservatives. Despite this action, we will continue fighting for Republicans in November… and for LIBERTY!"
The previously mentioned complaint was filed by state Rep. Glenn Rogers (R), but reports indicate that state Reps. Cole Hefner (R) and Jared Patterson (R), who support Speaker Phelan, could be behind the effort. This has not been confirmed or denied by either lawmaker.
