Texas can help Republicans elect Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-Texas), win additional House seats and advance President Donald Trump’s agenda, Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters said in an interview with The Dallas Express CEO Chris Putnam.
Speaking in the DX studio, Gruters outlined a Texas campaign effort that he said has included six months of staffing, grassroots voter outreach and election integrity work. He credited the state’s congressional redistricting with creating opportunities for Republicans to send more lawmakers to Washington.
“It’s not about just winning as Republicans. It’s about making sure we could push the president’s agenda and continue on this hot streak that we’re on,” Gruters said.
Gruters urged support for Paxton and sharply criticized Democratic nominee James Talarico, arguing that Democrats are presenting themselves as moderates while pursuing a left-wing agenda. The state’s certified Senate ballot also includes Libertarian Ted Brown.
He cast the election as a choice about economic opportunity and the country’s direction. Asked by Putnam whether voters face a choice between capitalism and socialism, Gruters said supporting the Republican ticket means “voting for the American dream.”
Gruters described candidate recruitment, campaign resources and Trump’s personal campaigning as the foundation of the GOP’s national effort. He called the President the party’s “secret weapon,” praising his travel across the country on behalf of Republican candidates.
On the economy, Gruters praised Trump’s emphasis on American jobs and manufacturing and predicted that workers would see higher wages. He argued that Republicans should give the President more time to deliver on his economic agenda.
In Texas, Gruters said the RNC is paying particular attention to rural and western parts of the state while emphasizing that “every single area is important.” He also explained why the party held its midterm convention in Dallas.
“The midterm convention was here to drive turnout here in Texas. Texas is so important,” Gruters said.
The RNC scheduled the September 9-10 convention at American Airlines Center, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
Gruters said Republicans aim to “defy history” in the midterms, with Texas’ Senate and congressional races forming part of that effort. He urged supporters to vote early, make a voting plan and encourage friends and neighbors to participate.
“If we turn out our voters, we win,” Gruters said.
Texas’ early voting period ends Friday, October 30. Election Day is November 3, according to the Texas secretary of state.
Provided by Dallas Express
