TEXAS SCORECARD By Brandon Waltens September 5, 2025
If successful, the case could mark the most significant shift in Texas primary election law in decades.
The Republican Party of Texas has taken its long-running fight over “crossover voting” to federal court, filing suit against the State of Texas and Secretary of State Jane Nelson to demand the right to restrict participation in GOP primaries to registered Republicans only.
Filed Thursday in the Northern District of Texas, the lawsuit argues that Texas’ open primary system—where Democrats and independents may choose a Republican ballot—violates the GOP’s First Amendment right of association. Party leaders say the current system allows non-Republicans to select GOP nominees, undermining both the party’s platform and its grassroots members.
“Today, the Republican Party of Texas has sought judicial relief to close our primary elections,” Chairman Abraham George said in a statement Thursday evening. “In Texas, Republicans, and only Republicans, should select Republican nominees.”
The lawsuit builds on Rule 46, adopted by Republican delegates at their convention in 2024 and strengthened this year, which requires voters to be registered Republicans before casting ballots in GOP primaries. The rule came in response to years of frustration with “Democrat interference” in Republican contests.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-gop-sues-state-to-close-primaries/
