Austin, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Texas GOP is planning to censure ten Republican representatives, including House Speaker Dustin Burrows. This action stems from allegations of not adhering to conservative principles during the recent legislative session. The new censure process could bar these representatives from future primary ballots, aiming to promote party unity. The representatives have been given an opportunity to defend themselves at the meeting, which also highlights the Texas GOP’s invocation of Rule 44 for potential penalties against members not aligning with party beliefs.
Austin, Texas – Texas GOP Plans to Censure Ten Republican Representatives
The Republican Party of Texas is set to meet at the state capitol on Saturday to consider reprimanding ten GOP representatives, including first-term House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock). The potential censure stems from accusations that these representatives did not adhere closely enough to conservative principles during the recent 89th Texas Legislative Session.
The representatives under scrutiny are facing possible disciplinary actions for various legislative decisions, including their support for Burrows’s election as Speaker and for approving certain rule packages without debate. In a noteworthy change, the Texas GOP now has the authority to bar members from the Republican primary ballot as part of its censure process, a decision meant to strengthen party unity. This new option will be tested for the first time at this meeting, although Burrows is exempt from the primary ban option.
Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George, who has publicly criticized Burrows, signed a memo titled “Censure Resolutions for Consideration” that was released on October 11. The memo outlines how the GOP plans to invoke Rule 44, a party protocol that allows for penalties against members deemed to be failing in representing party beliefs.
The representatives facing censure have been given the opportunity to defend themselves at the meeting and were required to submit written explanations by October 3. Charges against Burrows include preventing crucial debate and amending GOP-opposed rules, as well as appointing Democratic subcommittee chairs. Other GOP members on the list have been targeted for their votes in favor of Burrows and their collaboration with Democrats as seen in House Resolution 4, which allowed certain legislative influences from Democratic parties while barring them from chairing committees.
The Texas GOP has outlined three potential penalties that could be enacted with a three-fifths majority vote of the committee. If enacted, these penalties include:
1. Declaring that no party rules demanding neutrality in intraparty contests will apply to the named officeholder, and limiting financial support from the party.
2. Discouraging the named officeholder from participating in the Republican Party Primary Election post-censure.
3. Authorizing party chairs to reject ballot applications for the officeholder for 24 months after censure.
While Burrows cannot be subjected to the third penalty, if the other representatives are censured, they could find themselves ineligible to run for office for a period of two years. Additionally, the GOP may run advertising campaigns within the districts of those representatives to inform constituents of perceived party violations.
The other GOP members facing potential censure include Representatives Morgan Meyer, Angie Chen Button, Angelia Orr, Cody Harris, Jared Patterson, Stan Lambert, Dade Phelan, Jeff Leach, and Gary VanDeaver. Under a two-thirds vote from constituent precinct chairs, the State Republican Executive Committee can finalize a censure resolution.
In recent times, the Texas GOP’s move to censure some lawmakers has raised concerns that it may stifle bipartisan cooperation and deepen political divisions within the state.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Texas GOP meeting on Saturday?
Who are some of the GOP representatives facing censure?
What powers does the Texas GOP now hold under Rule 44?
What are the potential penalties for representatives facing censure?
Key Features of the Censure Meeting
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Meeting | Saturday, date unspecified |
| Venue | State Capitol, Austin |
| Key Figure | Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) |
| Number of Representatives Facing Censure | Ten |
| New Penalty Option | Bar from primary ballot |
| Rule invoked | GOP Rule 44 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: Republican Party of Texas
- Express News
- Google Search: Texas GOP censure
- NBC DFW
- Google Scholar: Texas GOP censure
- Houston Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas politics
- KETK
- Google News: Texas GOP censure
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
