Axios reports on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s super Super Tuesday proxy primary wins.
Abbott endorsed ten challengers against Republican incumbents who fought him on school vouchers, and five of them won, with three forcing runoffs.
Even if that might just sound like a 50%, at worst, and 80%, at best, success rate – keep in mind these were incumbent Republicans Abbott’s crew knocked off in a primary.
One of the Republicans who lost, Rep. Steve Allison, said: “These were quality representatives targeted by the governor. I’m concerned with what’s going to happen at the state Capitol next year.”
Now…. in a way, we’ve seen this story before in Florida.
Over the course of his tenure, Ron DeSantis grew increasingly belligerent – not just to Democrats – but to Republicans who crossed his way.
For awhile, it worked. Everyone feared DeSantis. No one stood in his way at the Capitol, and he scored victories.
Once DeSantis went national and failed spectacularly, he’s been left at home with fewer allies, emboldened enemies, and a weakened hand.
He’s no longer a significant voice for 2024, and it’s going to take a lot to turn it around for 2028.
In fact, you could argue that his political future is largely tied to two people, at this point — Donald Trump, who has the power to forgive and absolve. And Casey DeSantis, his wife, who’s easily polled at the top of the 2026 gubernatorial primary. If Casey runs and wins, it gives DeSantis another shot to rehabilitate an increasingly damaged brand.
But his descent shows how quickly things can go awry for any politician, but particularly those who make enemies in their own party.
Right now, Abbott is successfully wielding the most powerful weapon a politician can — the ability to knock off members of his party who cross him.
But that comes with big risks down the road, even as Abbott enjoys the short-term rewards that fear bring.
*In case you’re keeping score, Trump continues to name-drop Abbott as a Veep candidate, and during a Super Tuesday interview, Abbott again seemed quite open to it.
However, it’s not clear how he helps him with suburban women. Further, while immigration is a key issue for voters, it almost seems redundant to pair the immigration candidate (Trump) with an immigration vice-president.
[Photo: Public domain]