House Speaker who impeached Paxton comes to Texarkana for Gary VanDeaver

Rep. Gary VanDeaver doesn't seem to mind that Texas' most conservative voters don't seem to like Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan. 

In fact, VanDeaver welcomed the man who worked hard to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to Texarkana on Tuesday, Feb. 6, for a fundraiser at Northridge Country Club. 

A controversial politician

The House Speaker's popularity took a nosedive after the impeachment in his own district. More than 49% of his Republican constituents disapproved of Phelan. Click here to read the poll.

VanDeaver voted for Paxton's impeachment, which has caused him some election headaches. The attorney General has endorsed VanDeaver's opponent, Dale Huls.

Trump endorsed his opponent

Donald Trump has endorsed the House Speaker's Republican primary challenger, David Covey. 

Even though Phelan publicly said he had voted for Trump twice and would vote again for him in 2024, Trump was nonplussed and mentioned the "fraudulent impeachment."

The former president said: "Words, however, do not mitigate the Absolute Embarrassment Speaker Phelan inflicted upon the State of Texas and our Great Republican Party!"

A tough race

Gary VanDeaver is facing a tough race to retain his District 1 House seat as he also faces opposition from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has endorsed another one of VanDeaver's opponents.

 VanDeaver has been supported by the Democrat-leaning Texas State Teachers Association, which endorsed VanDeaver in 2022 alongside another endorsement for Beto O'Rourke for Governor.

Photo: Fair use from Gary VanDeaver's Facebook page.