Independence activists hailed a “revolution in Texas politics” after 10 Republicans who supported a referendum to secede from the United States were elected to the state legislature.
According to the separatist Texas Nationalist Movement, all 10 politicians who won seats in the Texas House of Representatives were signatories of its Texas First Pledge. The signatories of the pledge pledged that if the referendum were successful, they would “vote in favor of bills and resolutions calling for a vote to reaffirm Texas’ status as an independent state” and “remove Texas from the federal government.” He pledged to work toward a fair and expedient separation of the state of Texas. .
Texas nationalists want to secede the Lone Star State from the Union and create a completely independent nation. Prior to joining the United States, the Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation from 1836 to 1846. A poll of 814 Texas voters conducted earlier this year for Newsweek magazine found 33 percent supported secession, 39 percent opposed, and the rest were on the fence. Neutral or unsure. However, in a hypothetical referendum, 67% of voters said they would vote for Texas to remain a state in the United States.
In a statement released on Facebook Wednesday, TNM said: “The establishment said it wasn’t possible. Last night, Texas First Champions raced to victory in the Lone Star State. Ta!”
“The voice for Texas independence has grown louder. From the halls of Congress to the district courts, supporters of the Texas First Promise have won victories that reshape the state’s political landscape.”
“This is not just a victory, this is a revolution in Texas politics,” he added. “The old guard lie about making candidates ‘unelectable’ in favor of TEXIT voting was shattered last night.”
Photo illustration: Newsweek/Getty Images
In March 2023, Republican state legislators introduced the Texas Independence Referendum Act in the Texas House of Representatives, calling for a referendum on whether the state should investigate the possibility of Texas independence. The bill failed to pass the committee stage.
TNM President Daniel Miller told Newsweek in an interview that he expects a similar bill to be introduced by one of the lawmakers elected Tuesday who signed the Texas First pledge.
“The Texas Independence Referendum Act will likely be reintroduced next Congress,” he said. “But we will continue to support and work with our legislators on a number of policy initiatives, including borders, currency, and more. All of this will make Texas structurally and operationally more like an independent nation.” Because we can make it work. Getting the TEXIT referendum and winning will make separation easier.”
Miller added that this is part of TNM’s process of seeking “political, cultural and economic independence” for Texas.
“This means that while we work to obtain and win an independence referendum, we are also working on policy initiatives that move Texas closer to independence. Strategically, we “Anything that bridges the gap between Texas becoming a fully self-governing independent state is part of the TEXIT process,” he said.
According to TNM, the 10 signatories of the Texas First Pledge elected on Tuesday are David Rowe of House District 91, Shelley Luther of House District 62, Kelesa Richardson of House District 61, and Brent of House District 2. – Mr. Money, AJ Louderback of District 30, and Wesley Bardell of Congressional District. 53, Janice Holt of District 18, Andy Hopper of District 64, Steve Toth of District 15 and Mitch Little of District 65.
Earlier this year, Joshua Blank, director of research at the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, told Newsweek he doubted whether Texas independence could be achieved peacefully.
“I think history has made clear that there is no plausible scenario in which Texas could peacefully withdraw from the United States, even if it was the will of its people, but to my knowledge there is no indication that this is the case,” he said. spoke.
