Republicans who vote against party leaders’ preferred candidate could be barred from running in primaries. Lawsuits could follow.

Several local party officials have signed an open letter warning that “grave and deteriorating” fundraising and voter outreach efforts could leave some candidates vulnerable.

At the three-day convention, delegates moved the needle further to the right, preaching Christian nationalism and approving rules that would give them unprecedented control of elections.

Phelan’s foe Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged Republicans to stop giving Democrats a say in the speaker election.

Under outgoing chair Matt Rinaldi, the party’s donor base has shrunk as it aligns with two far-right megadonors.

The Republican Party of Texas announced Saturday that it has censured Representative Dade Phelan, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

The card insinuates that Phelan wants to wish his constituents a happy Ramadan instead of a merry Christmas. Muslim Texans say it’s Islamophobic and some Republicans say it doesn't reflect Christian values.

The Republican Party of Texas is suing an attorney it claims it paid to help challenge the results of the 2022 elections in Harris County.

Texas joins 17 other states restricting transgender minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapies. Opposing legal groups have vowed to sue to stop the new law from taking effect.

The radio ad, which criticizes Phelan for appointing Democratic committee chairs, prompted pushback from Republican colleagues in the House over why the state party would use resources to attack its own member.

Watchdog groups fear the film will fuel chaos in the upcoming midterm elections and could be a pretext for more restrictive voting laws in the future.

Ten years ago, the Texas Republican Party used its platform to oppose teaching critical thinking in schools.

State Republicans say conservative wins in local school board elections on Saturday mean parents are taking a stand against “left-wing” ideologies.

The rally in the Houston suburbs put on full display how much of a grip former President Donald Trump still has on Texas Republican leaders.

The Republican Party of Texas’ meme that linked COVID-19 test wait times with waiting in line to vote is the latest example of a growing — and successful — political social media strategy, experts say.

A Springtown man with the same name as the former governor filed Monday to run for the state's top post against Gov. Greg Abbott, raising the prospect of dirty political tricks.

A fight has broken out among Texas Republicans over Gab, the embattled social network favored by the far right. That sparked fierce criticism from the company — and new questions from fellow some Republicans about Abbott's own commitment to fighting perceived censorship by social media giants. Gab promotes itself as a "free speech" alternative to social media behemoths like Facebook and Twitter. Earlier this year, Gab was among the alternative social media sites where Trump loyalists plotted the storming of the Capitol. "TexasGOP has no plan to deplatform from any of our social media accounts," the tweet said.

Cat Parks, Republican Party of Texas vice chair, stood for the Pledge of Allegiance last month before speaking to The Woodlands Republican Women’s Club. Now Parks is turning heads again as she paves her own path at the state party under Allen West, the bombastic former Florida congressman who has alienated some fellow Republicans with his sharp-elbowed leadership as chair. We should be the big-tent party,” says Republican Party of Texas vice chair Cat Parks. She likes to say her first Republican meeting in Texas was in 2017 — and it was the one where she was appointed county chair. If they are Republicans, we need them.”AdOne of Parks’ early supporters for vice chair was David Covey, the Orange County GOP chair whom she met through the Texas Republican County Chairmen’s Association.

Less than two hours after The Texas Tribune contacted the Texas GOP about Whitt on Monday afternoon, the party said it had fired him. "This is the door of the Capitol," Whitt says. The conspiracy theory, which emerged ahead of the 2016 election, claims that Democratic elites are running a child sex-trafficking ring out of the pizzeria. The restaurant and its employees have been repeatedly harassed and threatened by people who believe the conspiracy theory. AdIn the video, Whitt asks the woman how she feels about working "in a restaurant that is known for pedophilia."

Multiple Texas Republicans in Congress amplified President Donald Trump’s false claims of widespread fraud in the days after the election. And some Texas Republicans in Congress expressed hope that Biden could help mend the country’s wounds. “It took a global pandemic, a thoroughly corrupt media, and massive election irregularities for President Trump to be removed from office,” the statement said. “I will be a ROADBLOCK to Joe Biden's radical agenda in Congress!” U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Terrell, tweeted. That drew backlash from Texas Republicans like Cruz, Cornyn and Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston.

Allen West is chair of the Republican Party of Texas. Their mutual toothache’s name is Allen West, and he is the chair of the Republican Party of Texas. It is utterly absurd and demonstrably idiotic that any Republican would join with Democrats to lead our Republican majority (83-67) Texas State House,” West wrote. They hold all of the statewide elected offices, along with majorities in the Texas Senate and Texas House. The state Capitol, for all its problems, is still a place where political party isn’t always the first order of business.

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: If drive-thru voting is found to be illegal, will those votes still be counted? Answer: According to the lawsuit presented by the Republican Party of Texas, all votes will be cast and counted until drive-thru voting potentially comes to a halt. [RELATED: Texas GOP files suit to stop drive-thru voting in Harris County]“Unless stopped, each of these instances of illegal voting will cast a cloud over the results of the General Election, as illegal votes will be cast and counted in direct violation of the Texas Election Code,” the lawsuit states. According to Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins, drive-thru voting which is available to all county residents who want to vote from their vehicle is separate from curbside voting which is reserved for voters with disabilities, including illness.

HOUSTON – A state appeals court has dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Republican Party of Texas against Harris County aimed at stopping expanded drive-thru voting. The court decided the GOP did not have “standing to seek mandamus relief under Election Code." There are currently 10 drive-thru polling locations in Harris County for the November election. In a news release about the lawsuit, the Republican Party of Texas argues that drive-thru locations are an illegal expansion of curbside voting that should be restricted to only those who are sick or disabled. "... (He) is telling all Harris County residents that they are eligible for curbside voting when he knows that is not the case.

Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneJohn Cornyn had an important message for Texas Republicans. "I'll be blunt because I know I'm among friends here," the U.S. senator told delegates to the virtual state GOP convention last weekend. By contrast, things have generally gone the right way for Texas Democrats in recent months. "This is a real race," U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said during his speech at the state GOP convention. On top of everything else, Texas Republicans are having to adjust to a sudden change in leadership at their state party.

Many key votes were either still incomplete early Monday or were delayed to a second convention. As a result, delegates voted to adjourn the convention's general session and meet in Senate district caucuses to deliberate over the races for state party leadership. Five hours after a second general session was set to start Saturday afternoon, Dickey announced the convention would adjourn until the next day. Most importantly, they finalized their national convention delegates and presidential electors ahead of a Monday deadline. A delegate offered the motion to postpone any remaining business to a second convention, and delegates voted to amend it by a wide margin to exempt the state party leadership races.

A Houston federal judge ruled Friday that the Republican Party of Texas may proceed with its in-person convention, a striking last-minute development as party officials have struggled to get a virtual gathering underway. The partys virtual convention was set to begin Thursday, though technical difficulties prompted hourslong delays and, eventually, the postponement of the event until Saturday. The State Republican Executive Committee is being totally irresponsible in continuing to push for an indoor, in-person convention, Turner said. Before Fridays ruling, Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey said the party was still working toward resuming the virtual convention Saturday. Texas GOP will stick with virtual convention, even though federal judge ruled in-person Houston event is an option was first published at https://www.texastribune.org/2020/07/17/texas-gop-convention-houston/ by The Texas Tribune.

Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey is being challenged by former Florida congressman James Dickey. In addition to his high profile, West has brought to the chair race a massive financial advantage. Dickey, the former chair of the Travis County GOP, was first elected state party chair in 2017 by the State Republican Executive Committee after Tom Mechler stepped down from the post. Dickey won by a margin of one vote on the State Republican Executive Committee. We are Texans, and the all hat and no cattle types don't fool us.On top of the chair race, delegates will also decide on the partys next vice chair.

The entrance to the 2016 Republican Party of Texas convention in Dallas. The 2020 in-person party convention in Houston was canceled due to the coronavirus, spurring legal battles. Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneA Houston federal judge ruled Friday that the Republican Party of Texas may proceed with its in-person convention, according to lawyers involved in the litigation, a striking last-minute development as party officials have struggled to get a virtual gathering underway. The partys virtual convention was set to begin Thursday, though technical difficulties prompted hourslong delays and, eventually, the postponement of the event until Saturday. Before Friday's ruling, Texas GOP Chairman James Dickey said the party was still working toward resuming the virtual convention Saturday.

Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey speaks at the GOP state convention in San Antonio on June 14, 2018. Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneThe Texas Republican Party has postponed its state convention by a day to give itself more time to figure out technical issues that plagued the virtual gathering Thursday. After a nearly four-hour meeting that ended after midnight on Friday, the State Republican Executive Committee voted 51-5 to resume convention business Saturday instead of later Friday. Dickey abruptly announced Thursday evening that the convention would reconvene at noon Friday, citing "extenuating circumstances and technical issues." Now, with the SREC vote, convention business will not begin again until Saturday morning, likely about 8 a.m., Dickey said.

The Texas Republican Convention in Fort Worth in 2012. Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneThe Texas Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by the Republican Party of Texas seeking to host its in-person convention this week in Houston. Justices also denied a similar petition spearheaded by other party officials and Houston activist Steve Hotze. Last week, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner directed the city's legal department to work with Houston First Corp., the operator of the convention center, to review its contract with the party. A Harris County judge denied a request by the party that would have let them proceed with the convention, and, soon after, the party said it would file an appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.

HOUSTON – Swift and scathing reactions are pouring in from Republican party leaders around Texas after the city of Houston canceled the Texas GOP convention that was slated to take place next week at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Instead, he waited until the eve of the Convention to inflict the greatest disruption.”Turner’s actions Wednesday come after weeks of back-and-forth with the Texas GOP and as coronavirus cases continue to surge in Texas and in Houston and Harris County. The Houston mayor previously sent a letter to both Gov. “It has just come to my attention that the city of Houston has canceled the Republican Party convention. ‘Political stunt'Officials with the Harris County GOP called Turner’s move “hypocritical,” in a tweet soon after the announcement was made.

MONTGOMERY, Texas On Wednesday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner sent shockwaves across the state when he canceled the GOPs state convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough offered to help, saying his county could hold the convention. Dickey said theyre looking at several relocation options for their convention including, Montgomery County. Hotels and different venues have been contacted, according to Montgomery County officials. I think thats fantastic, said Montgomery County resident Paul Renberg.

Texas Republican Convention in Fort Worth in 2014. Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneThe Republican Party of Texas is suing Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and others involved with the canceling of the party's in-person convention, which was scheduled to happen next week. "Mayor Turner may not treat the [Republican Party of Texas] convention differently from that of the recent public protests that the Mayor supported," the petition reads. The party's biennial convention was expected to draw roughly 6,000 people to a city that is a hotspot for the coronavirus. A spokesperson for Turner told the Houston Chronicle that the mayor would address the lawsuit at a previously-scheduled 3 p.m. news conference.

HOUSTON – Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, a Republican, invited the Republican Party of Texas to hold its in-person convention in the county after Houston officials canceled the event slated for next week at George R. Brown Convention Center. In response, Keough invited the party to hold its convention in Montgomery County in a video he posted on Facebook. “It has just come to my attention that the city of Houston has canceled the Republican Party convention. With Houston cancelling the Republican Party Convention I have offered Montgomery County as an alternative host for the upcoming convention. Jason Millsaps, the Chief of Staff for Montgomery County Judge Mark J. Keough, says the Texas GOP is aware of the county judge’s offer and has been in contact with hotels and venues in Montgomery County.

HOUSTON Houston leaders continue to push for the Texas GOP to cancel its in-person convention due to the citys coronavirus spread. The cancellation request comes from Mayor Sylvester Turner, the citys top doctor, the Greater Houston Partnership and some Democratic Congressional leaders. Turner sent a letter to the Republican Party of Texas, asking them to move from an in-person convention to a virtual one. Abbott said there will be more hospitalizations in Houston and more deaths and says party leaders will make that determination based on issues and facts. When the governor was asked if he would tell them to move the convention to a virtual convention, he said leaders will take it into consideration.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday directed city staff to find a legal way to cancel the Republican Party of Texas' in-person convention in the city next week. Pu Ying Huang for The Texas TribuneAs the Republican Party of Texas moves forward with plans for an in-person convention during a surge of coronavirus cases, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he has directed his administration to explore ways to cancel the event. During a virtual City Council meeting Wednesday, Turner said he has asked the city's legal department to work with the Houston First Corporation, which operates the George R. Brown Convention Center, to review the contract with the state party. "Where there are provisions that would allow us to cancel this convention we will exercise those provisions," Turner said. "And the plan is to exercise those provisions to cancel this agreement, this contract, today to not go forward with this convention."

HOUSTON The Texas GOP Convention planned at the George R. Brown Convention Center between July 16-18 will continue as planned, according to the Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey. Dickeys statement Monday came after Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called for the Texas GOPs executive committee to cancel the in-person event that is expected to see roughly 6,000 attendees. Turner asked that the event either be made virtual or that certain health protocols be put in place. Turners request for the convention to go virtual comes as Houston continues to be a hotspot for coronavirus in Texas. Last Thursday, the 64-member executive committee, which serves as the governing body of the state party, voted 40-20 to move forward with the in-person event.

James Dickey, Texas GOP Chairman is seen on a large video screen during the final afternoon of the 2018 Texas GOP Convention in San Antonio. Robin Jerstad for The Texas TribuneThe Republican Party of Texas is moving forward with its controversial in-person convention during the coronavirus pandemic but elected officials including Gov. As the state has seen a surge in coronavirus cases, calls have been growing over the past week for the party to cancel its event. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday asked the State Republican Executive Committee to cancel the gathering and warning that health inspectors would have the authority to shut down the event if certain guidelines are not followed. Shortly before Whatley made the announcement, Abbott was noncommittal in a TV interview when asked if he'd attend the convention in person.

Texas Republican Convention attendees stood for the Pledge of Allegiance in Fort Worth in 2012. I am asking them to have a virtual event.A spokesperson for the state party did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Last week, the SREC voted 40-20 to proceed with the in-person convention July 16 to 18 at Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center. According to the Houston Chronicle, Turner recently removed language from an executive order and effectively took away his own authority to cancel the convention. Last week, the Texas Girls Coaches Association also canceled its in-person convention scheduled for this Monday through Thursday in Arlington.

A committee hearing at the second day of the the 2018 Republican Party of Texas convention in San Antonio. I think its a horrible idea to proceed with holding the in-person convention, Davis told The Tribune on Tuesday. The Texas Democratic Party, which held a virtual convention earlier this month, has criticized its Republican counterpart repeatedly over moving ahead with plans to host an in-person event. Dickey said Tuesday that party officials have been working on ensuring encrypted secret ballot voting and credentialed verification could happen, should the convention move to an online setting. West told The Tribune on Tuesday that he did not plan to weigh in on whether an in-person convention should happen until after party officials decide next steps.

The Texas Medical Association on Tuesday called on the Republican Party of Texas to cancel its in-person July convention scheduled to take place in Houston, one of the countrys coronavirus hot spots. The latest development comes one day after The Texas Tribune reported on the Texas Medical Associations sponsorship of the convention, an indoor gathering that is not requiring masks of the 6,000 people expected to attend. On Monday, TMA told the Tribune that it would not rescind its sponsorship and had not called on the Republican Party to cancel its convention. In an open letter to party leadership Tuesday, Dr. Diana Fite, TMA president, cited the growing number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Harris County as a reason for the Texas Republican Party to cancel its Houston convention. The Republican Party of Texas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Republican Party of Texas hosted its 2018 convention in San Antonio. Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneThe Texas Medical Association on Tuesday called on the Republican Party of Texas to cancel its in-person July convention scheduled to take place in Houston, one of the countrys coronavirus hot spots. On Monday, TMA told the Tribune that it would not rescind its sponsorship and had not called on the Republican Party to cancel its convention. TMA said it made $5,000 contributions to both the Republican Party of Texas and the Texas Democratic Party in exchange for a brief video advertising TMA's mission at each convention. Disclosure: The Texas Medical Association has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.

Republican Party emblems and signage are seen at the Republican Party of Texas office in downtown Austin. Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneEngage Texas, the massive Republican super PAC focused on voter registration, is shutting down, citing challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. Yet the group says that the months-long pandemic has made clear that "person-to-person contact voter registration is going to be challenging for an indeterminate amount of time." "Engage Texas is proud of our highly successful voter registration efforts and believes that conservative voter registration will successfully continue through the Republican Party of Texas Volunteer Engagement Project." Texas Democrats are also prioritizing voter registration this election cycle, targeting 2.6 million Texans that are unregistered but it believes are Democrats.