Collin County is frontline for emotional Texas House primary elections

The potential political repercussions from Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial will soon become apparent.

Despite years of friendship, all five Republican members from his home county supported Paxton’s impeachment, leading to primary election challenges from candidates he helped recruit. The primary election is scheduled for March 5, with early voting already underway.

Last spring, the Texas House voted overwhelmingly to impeach and suspend Paxton on bribery and abuse of power charges. While the Texas Senate acquitted him, the FBI is still investigating allegations made by his top staff, who reported him to the FBI. Additionally, their civil lawsuit against his office is ongoing.

In response, Paxton, along with Collin County Republican Party leaders, recruited challengers to take on incumbent Representatives Frederick Frazier, Jeff Leach, Matt Shaheen, Justin Holland, and Candy Noble.

Despite their longstanding relationships with Paxton, many of these incumbents have now found themselves challenged by candidates he endorsed, with some facing intense scrutiny over their loyalty to the Republican Party platform.

The races in Collin County are seen as a litmus test of Paxton’s influence in his home base, which is predominantly Christian conservative and one of the largest Republican counties in the country.

In the midst of these political maneuvers, Governor Greg Abbott’s endorsements also play a significant role. While Abbott has endorsed some incumbents, his support may not be enough to counter Paxton’s influence and endorsements in the county.

Ultimately, the primary elections in Collin County will reveal the extent of Paxton’s sway and the dynamics within the Republican Party in the region.