21 House Republicans Excluded from Greg Abbott’s Endorsement List
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has thrown his support behind numerous Republican House members seeking reelection, but notably excluded 21 individuals from his endorsement list. These individuals, predominantly rural Republicans, incurred the Governor’s disfavor by voting against the inclusion of school vouchers in the education bill during the fourth special session. The absence of the Governor’s endorsement has raised questions about the intersection of ethics and politics within the state.
Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU), highlighted the prevailing influence of politics over ethical considerations. According to Jillson, politicians utilize their sources of influence and power to sway others to support their agenda. It is therefore expected that the Governor would deploy his influence to advance his priorities. However, despite Governor Abbott’s efforts, rural Republicans and Democrats have remained resistant to his “school choice” agenda, which has been defeated on five separate occasions. The Governor has made it clear that he will oppose House Republicans who obstruct his legislative priorities.
Notably, Governor Abbott endorsed 58 Texas House Republicans running for reelection, all of whom had supported his key vote in favor of school vouchers. However, Representatives Hugh Shine of District 55 and Kyle Kacal of District 12 were conspicuously not included in this list. Jillson opined that the absence of the Governor’s endorsement is unlikely to have a significant impact on these representatives. Given their close ties to their districts and their constituents’ opinions, these Republican rural members are expected to be reelected. They have remained steadfast in their commitment to their constituents and have not been swayed by the Governor’s influence.
Jillson emphasized that if Governor Abbott wishes to see his “school choice” agenda become law, he must find alternative approaches. The options available to him include bargaining or compromising with rural Republicans, as attempting to coerce them has proven ineffective. Additionally, Jillson suggested that the Governor may choose to make this issue a focal point for the 2024 primaries. However, he expressed skepticism about the Governor resorting to using his considerable political war chest to fund primary opponents.
For now, the education bill is back in the House committee, and the members will not convene until November 27. Previously, Governor Abbott had indicated that he would call up to five special sessions, and if his proposal did not reach his desk during those sessions, he would transform it into a primary election issue. The fate of the education bill and the Governor’s “school choice” agenda remains uncertain as the political landscape in Texas continues to evolve.
