Big names in the Make America Great Again movement are celebrating after conservative candidates were handed significant gains by Republican voters in Texas’ primary on Tuesday.
Among them were David Covey, who has forced state House Speaker Dade Phelan into a runoff election for the nomination for his seat, and Brandon Gill, who won the nomination for Texas’ 26th congressional district against a packed field and was described by his spokesperson as “a true pro-Trump conservative.”
“BIG congratulations to Brandon Gill,” Troy Nehls, a representative for Texas’ 22nd district and a Trump supporter, wrote. “Brandon is a friend and someone I trust to continue the MAGA movement in North Texas. He is an America First Patriot.”
“I was proud to endorse him in this race, but I’m even prouder to soon work with America First CONGRESSMAN Gill!” Ronny Jackson, who represents Texas 13th district who previously served as Trump’s chief medical advisor, stated. “President Trump knows Texas has his back!”
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Meanwhile, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, who will be switching her Colorado constituency in November, said she was “so excited” by the win, adding: “I know he will be a great addition to the House Freedom Caucus!” The House Freedom Caucus is a group of Republican members of congress who share social conservative values.
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz said he was “so proud” of Gill, adding: “Swamp monsters spent seven figures to keep this America First patriot out of Congress. They failed. We won. MAGA is ascendant.” According to Politico, two Republican PACs staked a combined $2 million against him in the race.
Covey also has influential backers, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who endorsed him over Phelan’s decision to not stop impeachment proceedings against Paxton last year.
In a statement, Paxton said he was “immensely proud” to have supported Covey, and that the runoff election in May “is not a defeat, but rather a call to arms for all who stand for the principles of the America First movement.”
Newsweek approached Phelan’s office via email for comment on Wednesday.
Gov. Greg Abbott, who has thrown his weight behind Trump again, supported candidates over incumbents who opposed his school voucher program. He said the primary had “sent an unmistakable message,” The Texas Tribune reported.
Overall, Trump is projected to sweep the statewide primaries on Super Tuesday, being expected to win 14 out of 15 states, cementing his lead in the GOP presidential race. His remaining rival, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, won Vermont.
Who is Brandon Gill?
Gill is the son-in-law of Dinesh D’Souza, a conservative commentator pardoned by Trump for a felony campaign finance conviction, through his wife, Danielle D’Souza Gill, an author and former member of the Women for Trump coalition.
According to Gill’s biography, he was born on a U.S. Air Force base to a father who flew combat missions in the first Gulf War, and was raised on a cattle ranch in Abilene, Texas. He then attended Dartmouth College to study economics and history before going into investment banking.
He professes to have been involved in the making of D’Souza’s 2000 Mules, a documentary which advanced conspiracy theories about the last presidential election being subject to rigging. Gill claims it “exposed the widespread fraud in the 2020 election.”
He has been endorsed by Trump himself, as well as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
Newsweek approached Gill’s team via email for comment on Wednesday.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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