(WMAL EXCLUSIVE) — In a scathing assessment of the Lone Star State’s current political landscape, Chris Ekstrom, Chairman of the Texas Truth PAC, joined O’Connor & Company to discuss the high stakes of today’s primary elections.
Speaking with hosts Larry O’Connor and Bethany Mandel, Ekstrom challenged the popular perception of Texas as a conservative bastion, arguing that the state’s leadership has failed to deliver on core Republican promises.
A “Lagging” State
Despite its reputation, Ekstrom contends that Texas is far from the “deep red” cornerstone many believe it to be. Instead, he described it as a “lagging state that’s underperforming,” specifically pointing to the influence of Democrats in the state’s legislative process.
“Our Speaker of our House of Representatives… was elected by Democrats,” Ekstrom noted, highlighting what he sees as a systemic failure within the Texas GOP. He attributed this “drift” to a lack of bold leadership from top officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, whom he claimed “never has done anything without taking a poll.”
Messaging, Not Migration
When asked if immigration or the influx of new residents was eroding the strength of Texas Republicans, Ekstrom was quick to dismiss the idea that demographics are to blame, noting that Hispanics in Texas generally hold conservative values and are increasingly voting Republican. For Ekstrom, the Texas GOP’s problem is entirely internal. “It’s a homegrown problem. It’s a lack of leadership problem. It’s a lack of messaging problem,” he argued.
Establishment vs Grassroots
The primary focus of today’s election, according to Ekstrom, is the survival of “real conservatives” — those he identifies as the “Republican wing of the Republican Party.” Central to this battle is the fate of Attorney General Ken Paxton, who survived a high-profile impeachment process that Ekstrom believes was orchestrated by the “Austin establishment.” Ekstrom predicted a runoff for the seat and anticipated an eventual endorsement for Paxton from President Donald Trump.
Key Races to Watch
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House District 56: Ekstrom singled out the race as “hotly-contested,” highlighting the divide between the grassroots and the “Austin dome.”
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The “RINO” Factor: Ekstrom expressed frustration with “soft RINOs” who received the President’s endorsement solely based on their support for school choice, arguing that many of these candidates are actually “Trump haters.”
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National Implications: The interview also touched on conservative frustration with elected officials like Dan Crenshaw, whom Ekstrom labeled the “RINO poster boy” of the Texas congressional delegation.
A Time for Choosing
As Texans head to the polls, Ekstrom believes the choice is clear: continue rewarding the establishment Republicans he considers overly timid, or give their more aggressive challengers a mandate to govern decisively.
“People perceive when you have a sort of a drift,” Ekstrom concluded. “And that’s where Texas is right now. They need new leadership badly.”
FULL INTERVIEW:
