Tarrant County GOP Censures John McQueeny

The Tarrant County GOP has voted to formally censure freshman state Rep. John McQueeney (R), citing multiple violations of party priorities and platform principles.

After a five-hour meeting, the party adopted the resolution by a vote of 87–46. There were three abstentions, but the censure has drawn applause from grassroots attendees.

State Rep. McQueeney did not attend the meeting, citing legislative duties in Austin.

In a letter read on his behalf by attorney Eric Opiela, state Rep. McQueeney called the resolution “disingenuous and full of deception,” and he requested a delay in the vote.

The censure accuses the Texas Republican of violating two key Legislative Priorities: Priority 4, which seeks to ban Democrat committee chairs, and Priority 8, which opposes federal overreach.

The claims stem from state Rep. McQueeney’s support of House Resolution 4 and Senate Bill 1. The House rules he voted for allow subcommittees to appoint Democrat chairs and include provisions adhering to federal health mask guidance, which Republican leaders argue contradicts conservative values.

The resolution also alleges that state Rep. McQueeney misled constituents by claiming on social media he voted to ban Democrat chairs. According to the Tarrant County GOP, this violated Platform Principle 5 regarding personal accountability.

As well, state Rep. McQueeney’s support for the state budget, which is accused of expanding government operations, and his vote against auditing Operation Lone Star were viewed as inconsistent with Principles 4 and 9, which promote limited government and free enterprise.

His repeated votes to adjourn the House for periods longer than three days also drew criticism.

Tarrant GOP Chairman Bo French said the message from activists was clear. “If things do not change, I believe the grassroots will take further action to hold elected officials accountable,” he argued.

The State Republican Executive Committee is expected to vote on the resolution at its June 13 - 14 meeting. If upheld, state Rep. McQueeney could be barred from appearing on the 2026 Republican primary ballot under Party Rule 44.