Texas Political Spotlight

Ethics Complaint Against GOP Chair Dismissed Amid Party Divisions

Author

TXLege
January 23, 2025

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A dismissed ethics complaint against Texas GOP Chair Abraham George reiterates deep divisions within the party as debates over leadership and committee control intensify. In the chambers, the Texas Legislature’s new budget proposals reveal both sides’ priorities, including a $1 billion push for school vouchers, setting the stage for major battles over education funding.

Today’s Insights:

  • Ethics Complaint Against GOP Chair Dismissed Amid Party Divisions

  • The Fight to be Financed: Budget Proposals are Here

Image Credit: Yahoo News

Ethics Complaint Against GOP Chair Dismissed Amid Party Divisions

The Texas Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint filed by Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) against Texas GOP Chair Abraham George, citing a lack of jurisdiction. Harris accused George of violating ethics rules by threatening to fund negative campaign mailers targeting lawmakers, including Harris, who did not support Rep. David Cook in his bid against the now Speaker Dustin Burrows. Burrows' successful bipartisan bid to win the speakership denied the gavel to Rep. David Cook, who was the choice of a majority of Republican representatives."

“The delegates of the 2024 Texas Republican Convention elected me to represent them, which means bringing truth to the establishment power that impeached our duly elected attorney general last legislative session. The delegates of the 2024 Texas Republican Convention adopted our rules and legislative priorities and I will continue to serve as a strong advocate of our party and our rule of law. If Representative Harris had attended the convention, maybe he would understand how grassroots conservatives work. I hope that the Texas Ethics Commission will do the right thing and reject this baseless complaint.”

- Abraham George via GOP Press Release

The complaint arises against the backdrop of the Texas GOP’s legislative priority to bar Democrats from chairing committees, a policy already implemented in the Senate under Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s leadership. Patrick’s recent Senate committee appointments adhere to this principle, ensuring Republican leadership across all committees for the 89th Legislature. This move aligns with the party’s assertion that the majority party should maintain control over committee leadership to advance its legislative agenda. In contrast, the Texas House, under Speaker Burrows, has not yet finalized committee appointments, continuing a debate within the GOP over whether to follow the Senate’s approach or maintain the House’s tradition of bipartisan committee leadership.

Image Credit: Austin American Statesman

The Fight to be Financed: Budget Proposals are Here

The Texas Senate and House have unveiled their proposals for the 2026-2027 state budget, with spending totals of $332.9 billion in the Senate version and $335.7 billion in the House version. Both budgets allocate $1 billion for a school vouchers program, signaling bicameral momentum toward such legislation. Such programs have passed the Senate but died in the House under former Speaker Dade Phelan. Shared priorities this session include property tax relief, enhanced funding for education, healthcare, border security, and public safety.

“The Senate’s base budget ensures that the State of Texas continues to have the strongest and most successful economy in the nation…

…We have an obligation to the people of Texas to make investments that will keep Texas as the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Senator Joan Huffman, Chair of Finance via Senate Media

The inclusion of voucher funding in the initial proposals suggests broad support but raises questions about potential financial risks, as seen in other states where costs significantly exceeded initial estimates. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick described the Senate's plan as adhering to conservative fiscal principles, while Speaker Burrows emphasized its role in setting financial parameters for major legislative efforts. As the session unfolds, lawmakers will determine how the proposed funding, especially for school vouchers, will be structured and implemented.

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