State Rep. Brian Harrison (R) attempted to unseat House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) this week, but the effort was futile. Not only did Speaker Burrows receive immense support, but state Rep. Harrison’s effort has now sparked a wave of backlash from within his own party. Republicans are now speaking out about their growing frustration over the state rep’s tactics and public persona.
The failed effort has triggered a firestorm of criticism from fellow conservatives, including State Republican Executive Committeeman Rolando Garcia (R), who took to social media to express his disapproval.
“I think even a lot of conservatives who have fought House leadership are just done with @brianeharrison and his obnoxious showboating,” the Republican executive committeeman posted. “He's an insufferable combination of hair gel, studio makeup, and narcissism.”
I think even a lot of conservatives who have fought House leadership are just done with @brianeharrison and his obnoxious showboating. He's an insufferable combination of hair gel, studio makeup, and narcissism.
That doesn't mean that he's not often right or sometimes useful.…
— Rolando Garcia (@rdgarcia03) April 9, 2025
He acknowledged that state Rep. Harrison is “VERY clever,” but accused him of using his intelligence for self-promotion rather than for effective governance. “Too often he employs that intelligence for purely self-serving ends: social media engagement and TV/radio appearances,” he added.
State Rep. Harrison’s motion to remove Speaker Burrows attracted next to no support, a result some saw as a humiliation. However, Republican Executive Committeeman Garcia argued the move may have been calculated for optics. “Those dunking on Harrison for only getting one rep to vote with him totally miss the game he's playing. In Harrison's ideal scenario, he would've been the ONLY vote against tabling,” he commented.
Republican critics argue that state Rep. Harrison’s approach alienates allies rather than builds unity.
“In the Harrison myth, there's only room for ONE hero,” the Republican executive committeeman continued.
“I actually feel bad for reps who thought they were fighting side-by-side with Harrison but now realize that the Brian Harrison Extravaganza is a one-man show and there's no room for a supporting cast.”
