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Exclusivea TX State Rep. Brian Harrison Texas Legislature Is Runby Democrats Thanksto RIN Os

Exclusive Insights: Texas State Rep. Brian Harrison Accuses RINOs of Handing Legislative Control to Democrats

In a revealing exclusive interview, Texas State Representative Brian Harrison, a staunch conservative Republican from Midlothian, has leveled sharp criticisms against the inner workings of the Texas Legislature. Harrison argues that despite Republicans holding a numerical majority in the state House, the institution is effectively controlled by Democrats, thanks to the influence of so-called RINOs—Republicans In Name Only—who collaborate with the opposition to maintain power and thwart conservative priorities. This dynamic, according to Harrison, undermines the will of Texas voters who elected a GOP majority expecting bold action on issues like border security, property tax relief, and election integrity.

Harrison's critique centers on the leadership structure of the Texas House, particularly the role of the Speaker. He points out that the current Speaker, Dade Phelan, was elected with significant support from Democrats, a pattern Harrison describes as a longstanding "unholy alliance" between moderate Republicans and the Democratic caucus. This coalition, he claims, allows Democrats to wield outsized influence over committee assignments, bill priorities, and procedural rules, effectively diluting the Republican agenda. "The Texas House is run by Democrats," Harrison asserts bluntly, emphasizing that this isn't hyperbole but a reflection of how key decisions are made. He draws parallels to historical precedents, noting that for decades, Speakers have relied on Democratic votes to secure their positions, which in turn grants Democrats veto power over legislation that might advance conservative causes.

One of the most egregious examples Harrison cites is the failure to pass meaningful property tax reform. Texas homeowners have long grappled with skyrocketing property taxes, a burden exacerbated by inflation and rising appraisals. Harrison recounts his own efforts to introduce bills aimed at capping or eliminating certain property taxes, only to see them stalled in committees chaired by RINOs sympathetic to Democratic interests. He argues that these RINOs prioritize maintaining the status quo—often influenced by lobbyists and special interests—over delivering relief to everyday Texans. "We've got a Republican majority, but we're not acting like it," Harrison laments, pointing to sessions where bills on tax cuts die without a vote, while less conservative measures sail through with bipartisan support.

Border security emerges as another flashpoint in Harrison's analysis. Texas, as a frontline state in the national immigration debate, has seen Governor Greg Abbott take aggressive executive actions, such as deploying the National Guard and installing barriers along the Rio Grande. However, Harrison contends that the Legislature has failed to back these efforts with robust statutory support due to internal sabotage. He accuses RINO leaders of blocking bills that would enhance state-level enforcement, such as those mandating E-Verify for employers or increasing penalties for sanctuary cities. Instead, Democrats and their RINO allies allegedly water down proposals or prevent them from reaching the floor, leaving the border vulnerable and frustrating conservative constituents who demand action against illegal immigration and associated crimes like fentanyl trafficking.

Harrison doesn't stop at policy failures; he delves into the mechanics of legislative power. He explains how the Speaker appoints committee chairs, often rewarding loyalty over ideology. In the current setup, several key committees—such as those handling appropriations, criminal jurisprudence, and public education—are led by Republicans who, in Harrison's view, align more closely with Democratic priorities. This includes resistance to school choice initiatives, which Harrison champions as essential for empowering parents and improving education outcomes. He recalls pushing for voucher programs that would allow families to redirect public funds to private or charter schools, only to face opposition from a coalition that includes teacher unions (traditionally Democratic allies) and RINOs wary of disrupting the public school system. "It's a betrayal of our platform," Harrison states, highlighting how these blocks prevent Texas from joining other red states in advancing educational freedom.

Election integrity is yet another area where Harrison sees Democratic influence prevailing. Following the 2020 election controversies, many Texas Republicans sought reforms like stricter voter ID requirements, bans on ballot harvesting, and enhanced auditing processes. Harrison claims that while some measures passed, more comprehensive bills were gutted or ignored due to RINO hesitance, fueled by Democratic pressure. He argues this reluctance stems from a fear of alienating moderate voters or facing legal challenges, but ultimately it weakens the GOP's ability to safeguard elections—a core promise to their base.

Harrison's frustration extends to the broader implications for Texas conservatism. He warns that this RINO-Democrat partnership erodes public trust in the Republican Party, potentially leading to voter apathy or third-party challenges. As a member of the Texas Freedom Caucus, Harrison positions himself as part of a growing faction pushing back against this establishment. He recounts personal battles, such as sponsoring resolutions to censure RINOs or reform the Speaker selection process to require only Republican votes. These efforts, while gaining traction among grassroots activists, have yet to overhaul the system, leaving Harrison to call for a "conservative revolution" in the next legislative session.

Looking ahead to 2025, Harrison is optimistic yet cautious. With primaries on the horizon, he urges Texas Republicans to hold their representatives accountable, supporting primary challengers against entrenched RINOs. He praises figures like Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Abbott for their willingness to confront the establishment, suggesting that similar boldness is needed in the House. "Texans deserve a Legislature that reflects their values—limited government, secure borders, and economic freedom," Harrison concludes. His message is a rallying cry for conservatives, emphasizing that true Republican governance requires purging internal obstacles to deliver on promises.

This interview sheds light on the factional divides within the Texas GOP, illustrating how procedural maneuvers and cross-aisle alliances can subvert majority rule. Harrison's allegations, if accurate, paint a picture of a Legislature where partisan labels obscure the real power dynamics, challenging the narrative of Texas as a conservative stronghold. As the state grapples with pressing issues, from population growth to cultural shifts, the debate over who truly controls the levers of power in Austin is likely to intensify, influencing not just state politics but the national Republican strategy. (Word count: 928)

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