David W. Beebe

Okay, I think I’ve said “I told you so” enough. It’s time to move forward. First, congratulations to Senator-Elect James Talarico, Governor-Elect Gina Hinojosa, Congresswoman-Elect Katy Padilla Stout, and the many other candidates who made history last night. While I may not agree with you on every issue, I respect the decision of Texas voters, and I genuinely wish you success. Your success is now Texas’ success. As a leader in this state, I must wish you well and I commit to working with you to making the lives of our constituents better. To my fellow Republicans: We got smoked. Bad. And we need to have a serious conversation about why. For far too long, too many people in our party have been willing to hold their noses, look the other way, or remain silent while some of the loudest and most extreme voices took control of the conversation. We convinced ourselves that voters would eventually fall in line because Texas was a Republican state. Well, last night proved otherwise. I am proud of Texas. And I’m especially proud of the many Republicans who refused to compromise their principles or their basic sense of decency just to support someone with the rhetoric, conduct, and behavior of Bo French/others. There is a difference between being a strong conservative and simply being hateful. There is a difference between standing up for your beliefs and treating people like garbage. And there is absolutely nothing conservative about abandoning basic decency/ integrity. I hope last night sends a message that goes far beyond one election. The next generation of Texas Republicans, the New Texians have an opportunity, and frankly a responsibility, to make sure the politics of people like Bo French are no longer the direction of our party. And yes, it’s no secret that I proudly endorsed Senator John Cornyn. I was one of his most outspoken and enthusiastic supporters, and I don’t regret that for a second. I believed in his experience, his character, and his ability to represent Texas. And as tempting as it might be to spend the next several days criticizing Ken Paxton, Bo French, Don Huffines, and others, what good would that really do? The voters have spoken loud and clear. Their political approach has been tested, and the results speak for themselves. We don’t need to spend the next two to four years fighting yesterday’s battles. We, the New Texians, need to start building tomorrow’s Republican Party. And maybe, just maybe, we ought to remember what made Republicans successful in Texas in the first place. George W. Bush understood how to bring people together. John Cornyn consistently defeated Democratic opponents in statewide elections. They didn’t agree with everyone, and they certainly weren’t afraid to stand up for conservative principles. But they understood something that seems to have gotten lost along the way: You can be a strong conservative without being cruel, disrespectful, or constantly looking for someone to fight. Being a decent human being shouldn’t be controversial. Being respectful shouldn’t make you a RINO. And working with someone across the aisle shouldn’t be treated like an act of betrayal. Maybe it’s time we stop taking political advice from the Luke Maciases, Bo Frenches, Sara Gonzales, and the Michelle Smiths of the world. Their rhetoric, their constant outrage, and their approach to politics simply don’t reflect the everyday Texans I know. And most normal, common sense, thinking Texans, don’t fit in with individuals of that strange, odd, nature/ mindset. Most Texans aren’t sitting around looking for another political enemy. They’re working, raising families, paying bills, going to church, helping their neighbors, and trying to build a better life. They want leaders who act like adults. Let’s get back to common-sense conservatism. Supporting law enforcement. Securing our border. Standing with our military and veterans. Protecting individual freedoms. Supporting our farmers and ranchers.