Holland Also Admonished by Rockwall County GOP – Hits Keep Coming
Rockwall County, TX – In a recent statement by Gov. Greg Abbott, State Rep. Justin Holland, District 33, faced scrutiny for aligning with Democrats in leadership roles, despite being a member of the Republican Party. The Texas Scorecard highlighted Abbott’s disapproval of Holland’s voting record, stating that he “voted against gun rights and school choice but voted to put Democrats in leadership positions.“
First elected to the Texas House in 2016, Holland’s actions have raised concerns among conservatives due to a series of votes contradicting the party’s core priorities. Abbott, emphasizing school choice as a top agenda item, has started endorsing challengers against Republicans who opposed an education savings accounts plan.
The Rockwall County Republican Party also took note of Holland’s voting record and issued a notice to district voters, expressing concern about his responsiveness to voters and the party’s interests. The party outlined five specific admonishments directed at Justin Holland:
- School Choice: Rep. Holland voted against increased school funding, teacher bonuses, and the establishment of Education Savings accounts for Texas children. This move contradicted the wishes of 87% of Rockwall County voters who approved the initiative at the ballot box in 2022.
- Gun Control: Holland voted in favor of gun control, specifically supporting restrictions on the transfer of semi-automatic rifles to individuals aged 18-21.
- Democrat Leadership: Holland endorsed Texas State Representative Dade Phelan for Speaker of the House, fully aware that Phelan had and would continue to appoint Democrat Chairs in influential legislative committees.
- Against the Republican Party: Privately and publicly, Holland demeaned the local Republican Party, the Texas State Republican Party, and its Executive Board and leadership, referring to the party as AWOL and irrelevant.
- Paxton Impeachment: Holland voted to impeach fellow Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton without hearing or seeing sworn testimony in the process leading to the impeachment resolutions.
Abbott shared the party’s notice on social media, underscoring Holland’s alignment with Democrats on key issues. This marks the first instance of Abbott criticizing the placement of Democrats in leadership positions. House Speaker Dade Phelan, has appointed Democrats to chair various committees within the House. A move that irritates many Conservatives as well as Greg Abbott.
Matt Rinaldi, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, expressed gratitude for Abbott’s leadership, “Sometimes, it’s necessary to state the obvious: School choice is good. Democrats in leadership positions are bad“, said Rinaldi. Referring to Phelan’s committee assignments as House Speaker.
The Fate Tribune’s investigation into Holland’s campaign donors has revealed that in 2022, Dade Phelan’s Campaign Committee donated $25,000 to Holland, likely ensuring that Holland will continue to vote in support of Phelan’s agenda and against the conservative republican base.
As the primary election approaches on March 5, Holland faces two opponents: former Trump spokesperson Katrina Pierson and businessman Dennis London, either of which promisses to be a better representative of the people. In District 33 which includes all of Rockwall County, Abbott has yet to endorse a candidate. It would also seem likely that Abbott will refrain from endorsing Speaker Dade Phelan, who faces two primary opponents of his own.
The Texas Scorecard originally reported on these developments.