Submitted By Nate Criswell | 7/10/2020

On July 9, the Hood County Republican Executive Committee held an Emergency Meeting to consider reprimanding Governor Abbott through a Republican Party of Texas Rule 44 Censure Resolution.

A similar resolution had already been adopted by Ector, Llano, and a few other counties throughout the state in response to Governor Abbott’s recent actions that, according to many grassroots activists, contradict the Republican Party Platform, the Texas Constitution, and US Constitution.

Rule 44 Censure is an internal mechanism of the GOP designed to hold elected officials accountable to the party platform, and it was adopted by party delegates during the 2016 Texas GOP State Convention. Seldom used, it is reserved for the most egregious violators of the platform.

The requirements to pass a censure resolution are strict and enumerated in the TXGOP rules, including two thirds of voting members being in favor of its passage.

Immediately after discussion started, Precinct Chair Mark Shackelford made a motion to hold a vote, but voting was held off to allow for a full reading and some discussion. The resolution had been distributed to all voting members before the meeting for review.

Hood County Commissioner Dave Eagle was in attendance and gave a passionate presentation against Abbott’s actions.

After a robust debate, and Shackelford’s request for a Roll Call Vote, the Censure passed with a unanimous 13-0 vote by the Republican Precinct Chairs.

While highly unprecedented, many delegates to the GOP’s State Convention plan to present a similar resolution at the upcoming state convention. If a censure resolution were to pass at the state convention, Abbott’s re-election campaign would receive “no financial or other support […] by the Party except that which is required by law,” according to RPT Rule 44.

“Hood County often stands up for true Conservative values. It’s a relief to know that Senator Brain Birdwell’s home county is willing to hold the Governor accountable,” said State Republican Executive Committeeman Sam Bryant.

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