The RINO Hunt: A Political Showdown in Texas
In December 2022, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller stirred controversy when he posted a photo on social media platform X, showcasing himself with a double-barrel shotgun. The caption? An invitation to join him on a “RINO hunt,” targeting Republicans he deemed insufficiently conservative. This bold declaration was not just a casual remark; it was a rallying cry in the increasingly contentious landscape of Texas politics, particularly as the March primary elections loomed.
The Target: Glenn Rogers
One of Miller’s targets was state representative Glenn Rogers, a 68-year-old rancher and grandfather of five, who represents a rural district west of Fort Worth. Rogers, who entered the Texas Legislature in 2021, had built a reputation as a staunch conservative. He co-authored significant legislation, including measures that allowed Texans to carry handguns without permits and supported the controversial Heartbeat Act, which empowers citizens to sue abortion providers. Despite his conservative credentials, Rogers found himself in the crosshairs of Miller’s aggressive campaign tactics.
Rogers, known for his calm demeanor and aversion to grandstanding, was taken aback by the vitriol of the primary season. He received a text message from Miller that began with a scathing accusation: “You are a bought and paid for, pathetic narcissist.” The message escalated into a challenge for a duel, a dramatic escalation that underscored the personal nature of the political battles unfolding in Texas.
The Conservative Landscape
Rogers’s experience reflects a broader trend within the Texas Republican Party, where the definition of conservatism is being rigorously policed. The term "RINO" (Republican In Name Only) has become a weapon wielded by more extreme factions within the party, often targeting those who stray from a hardline conservative agenda. As Rogers noted, the Legislature he serves in “couldn’t be more conservative if it tried,” yet he found himself branded as a liberal by his opponents.
The campaign against him was relentless. Ads circulated in his district, portraying him as a closet liberal who supported gun control and even Shariah law. One particularly egregious ad even photoshopped his signature white cowboy hat onto a headshot of President Joe Biden, a move designed to provoke outrage among his constituents. These attacks were not merely the work of a single challenger; they were part of a coordinated effort by powerful interests seeking to reshape the political landscape in Texas.
The Billionaire Influence
At the heart of this political drama are two influential billionaires: Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks. Having made their fortunes in the oil industry, these men have constructed a formidable political machine in Texas. Over the past decade, they have leveraged their wealth to create a network of think tanks, media organizations, political action committees, and nonprofits, all aimed at purging the Texas Legislature of Republicans who do not align with their vision.
Dunn and Wilks’s influence has been likened to that of Russian oligarchs by some conservative commentators, including Brandon Darby, editor of Breitbart Texas. Their strategy involves targeting incumbents who do not toe the line, effectively demanding loyalty from elected officials. “You kiss the ring or you’re out,” Darby remarked, highlighting the high stakes of political allegiance in this new era of Texas politics.
The Impact on Local Politics
The implications of this power struggle extend beyond individual races. As the political landscape shifts further to the right, the very definition of conservatism is being redefined. Candidates like Rogers, who once might have been considered solidly conservative, find themselves under attack for not being extreme enough. This creates a chilling effect, where elected officials may feel pressured to adopt more radical positions to avoid being labeled as RINOs.
Moreover, the tactics employed by Dunn and Wilks have raised concerns about the health of democracy in Texas. The aggressive targeting of incumbents and the use of misinformation campaigns threaten to undermine public trust in elected officials and the political process itself. Voters, bombarded with misleading ads and divisive rhetoric, may struggle to discern the truth about their representatives.
A New Era of Political Warfare
As the March primary elections approach, the stakes are high for both incumbents and challengers. The battle lines have been drawn, and the rhetoric has escalated to unprecedented levels. For Rogers, the fight is not just about his political future; it’s a reflection of the broader struggle within the Republican Party in Texas. The outcome of this primary season will likely have lasting implications for the direction of the party and the state as a whole.
In this charged atmosphere, the question remains: what does it mean to be a Republican in Texas today? As the RINO hunt continues, the answer may be more complicated than ever.