Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
5d ago

Texas GOP Sues Secretary of State to Close Party Primaries

The filing claims the open primary system violates the party’s First Amendment right to control who selects its nominees.

Newly elected Republican Party of Texas Vice-Chair D’rinda Randall, left, and Chair Abraham George and speak during the Texas GOP Convention Saturday, May 25, 2024 in San Antonio.
Image
Image

Overview

  • The Republican Party of Texas and Potter County GOP precinct chair Chip Hunt filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Secretary of State Jane Nelson seeking to limit GOP primary voting to registered Republicans.
  • The party argues the current open system infringes its associational rights and enables crossover voting by nonmembers that skews candidate selection.
  • The complaint cites narrow 2024 races for Reps. Dade Phelan and Gary VanDeaver as examples of outcomes allegedly influenced by Democratic or independent-leaning voters.
  • The GOP says it would create its own registration and verification process to conduct a closed primary if it prevails and is aiming for a full transition by 2028.
  • The suit points to a 2011 Idaho ruling that allowed closed primaries there, and the Secretary of State’s office says it will review the case as preparations for the March 3 primary proceed under current law.