Trump backs challenger to Texas House speaker over 'fraudulent' Paxton impeachment

Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed a challenger to Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, asserting that the Republican had embarrassed the state of Texas and the GOP with his botched impeachment attempt on Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

"David Covey is running against Dade Phelan, the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who led the Fraudulent Impeachment of the recently re-elected, in a landslide, Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton," Trump posted on Truth Social. "David is an America First Conservative who will Secure the Border, Restore Election Integrity, Protect our Families and Military/Vets, and Defend our under siege Second Amendment."

"Last week Dade Phelan said, 'I voted for President Trump twice for President, and I’m going to vote for him a third time. I think he’s going to be the Nominee.' Words, however, do not mitigate the Absolute Embarrassment Speaker Phelan inflicted upon the State of Texas and our Great Republican Party!" Trump continued. "Therefore, David Covey has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Texas’ 21st State House District—He will never let you down!"

Covey is running to represent the state's 21st state House district, a seat constituency Phelan has represented since 2015, according to Ballotpedia. Phelan became state House speaker in 2021.

Paxton in September of last year was acquitted by the state Senate on all counts. He faced allegations of bribery and abuse of public trust stemming in part from longtime relationship with donor Nate Paul.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.