In 2023, Texas was marked by intense infighting within the Republican Party, from the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton to clashes involving Governor Greg Abbott and other key Republican figures. A strong theme of the year was retaliation, with Paxton vowing to unseat House Republicans who attempted to impeach him, and Abbott endorsing challengers against Republicans who voted against his private school voucher program. Party leadership also clashed over proposed tax cuts and other issues, contributing to a fractured political environment. Despite this, a unified focus on border security was evident amid record-high migrant encounters. The year also raised questions about Texas’ role in the 2024 presidential race, as former President Donald Trump and his rivals made appearances in the state. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders highlighted controversial Texas laws, such as the recent abortion restrictions, signaling key issues that may take center stage in future elections.
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