Texas GOP Chairman Slammed After Suggesting Secession From United States

Topline

Following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a lawsuit aimed at overturning the result of the 2020 presidential election, the chair of the Republican Party in Texas suggested Friday that the decision may initiate the rise of a new “Union” of “law-abiding states,” a statement that drew immediate condemnation from Democrats and at least one prominent Republican. 

Key Facts

Allen West, who previously served as a Florida congressman and has chaired the Texas GOP since July, stated that the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss Texas’ lawsuit would have “far-reaching ramifications.” 

West then declared that “perhaps law-abiding states should bond together and form a Union of states that will abide by the constitution.”

In response, Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who represents Illinois’ 16th District, tweeted that the Texas GOP “should immediately retract this, apologize, and fire Allen West and anyone else associated with this.” 

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) said the statement revealed that members of the Texas Republican Party “have lost their minds.” 

Arizona Republican Party chairwoman Kelli Ward voiced her support of West, tweeting, “I love that #TXGOP Chairman Colonel @AllenWest loves America! #ImWithHim”

Key Background:

West’s comments follow on the heels of other Republicans who have talked of secession. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, state Rep. Kyle Biedermann, a Republican representing Texas’ House District 73, wrote, “the federal government is out of control and does not represent the values of Texans” and announced his intention to introduce the Texas Independence Referendum Act. “That is why I am committing to file legislation this session that will allow a referendum to give Texans a vote for the State of Texas to reassert its status as an independent nation,” stated Biedermann. On Wednesday, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh, who was previously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Trump, said, “I actually think that we’re trending toward secession” and that “I know that there’s a sizable and growing sentiment for people who believe that’s where we’re headed.” He later claimed, “I didn’t advocate for it. I never would advocate for secession. I’m simply repeating what I have heard.” Responding to Limbaugh’s comments, Fox News contributor Geraldo Rivera said “talk of secession is treason” and that such commentary is “reckless” and “irresponsible.” 

Tangent:

The Texas Nationalist Movement, which was formed in 2005, has pushed for a vote on Texas becoming an independent nation.

Critical Quote: 

“You can’t claim to be patriotic and file a bill for Texas to secede from the union,” said Abhi Rahman, a spokesman for the Texas Democratic Party. “You can’t attempt to subvert the will of the people and steal an election from the people and the elected president of the United States, Joe Biden. From Ken Paxton to Greg Abbott to Kyle Biedermann, Texas Republicans are supporting treason.”

Further Reading:

Should Texas be its own nation again? Secession talk returns with proposed Texas Independence Referendum Act (Dallas Morning News) 

Chairman Allen West’s Response to SCOTUS Decision (Texas GOP)


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