Texan advances in GOP primary runoff against homeless activist
State Rep. Craig Goldman emerged victorious in the Republican nomination for the 12th Congressional District in Texas after a runoff election on Tuesday. This seat became available due to the retirement of Rep. Kay Granger who had held the position since 1997. The race heated up as neither candidate garnered more than 50% of the vote in the March primary.
The contest showcased the splintering within the Texas Republican Party. Candidate John O’Shea positioned himself as an “America First” advocate and boasted endorsements from high-profile figures like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and allies of former President Donald Trump such as Roger Stone and Gen. Michael Flynn.
Meanwhile, Goldman, a fifth-generation Texan, received support from Gov. Greg Abbott and Speaker Dade Phelan. Despite voting to impeach Paxton in 2023, Goldman promised to prioritize border security and the interests of the American taxpayer.
The rift between the two candidates extended beyond policy differences. O’Shea used the impeachment vote against Goldman, characterizing the party’s internal conflict as a battle between the America First-Paxton camp and the establishment team Phelan faction.
In response, Goldman defended his conservative credentials by emphasizing his track record of voting in line with conservative principles. The contrasting visions presented by the candidates underscored the deep divisions within the Texas Republican Party.
Following the primary runoff, the Republican nominee will now vie against Trey Hunt, a progressive activist and mental health professional, in the upcoming election. Hunt, who hails from Southwest Fort Worth, champions criminal justice reform and abortion rights, among other issues.
Both Republican contenders have pledged to address illegal immigration, an issue central to Texas as it grapples with the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border. Additionally, they have highlighted their positions on abortion and Second Amendment rights to appeal to the electorate.
Notably, the race has further exposed the discord between Abbott and Paxton, who have thrown their support behind opposing candidates in multiple races. Their differing endorsements signal unresolved tensions stemming from past political clashes.
Granger’s endorsement of Goldman underscored his commitment to bolstering national defense, a crucial issue for constituents. Meanwhile, Phelan faces his own challenge in District 21 from oil and gas consultant David Covey, following his involvement in the impeachment effort against Paxton which led to his censure by the Texas GOP.
