Texas
Texas Republican hits back after Trump Jab: “New phone. Who dis?”
Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan hit back at President Donald Trump’s criticism of him on Tuesday about his retirement from politics, saying, “New phone. Who Dis?”
Why It Matters
The strained relationship between Trump and Phelan continues to potentially underscore divisions within the Republican Party, particularly in Texas.
Trump’s previous attempts to unseat Republicans who may have crossed him, coupled with Phelan’s survival against a Trump-endorsed primary challenger, highlighted the ongoing power struggle between establishment figures and Trump-aligned conservatives.
What To Know
In 2024, Phelan fended off a fierce primary runoff challenge from David Covey, who had received an explicit endorsement from President Trump. Phelan secured victory in the GOP runoff, despite Trump rallying support for Covey.
President Trump’s opinion toward Phelan—who represented Texas House District 21 and served as Speaker from 2021 until 2025— potentially originated in 2023 when Phelan led the failed Texas House impeachment of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, a high-profile Trump ally.
Trump has previously described Phelan’s impeachment of Paxton as “fraudulent” and an “absolute embarrassment” in prior Truth Social posts.
Taking to Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump took a new swipe at Phelan, saying, “Fortunately for the Great State of Texas, their Former Speaker, who is no longer Speaker, Dade Phelan, is quitting Politics. He was the one responsible for killing every Bill having to do with Voter Integrity and School Choice. Good luck in your next life, Dade!”
Phelan hit back on X on Tuesday, saying, “New phone. Who dis?”
What People Are Saying
D. Stephen Voss, political science professor at the University of Kentucky, to Newsweek via email on Tuesday night: “Trump has shown a consistent desire to remake the Republican Party in his image. Phelan did not toe the line, on occasion leading the Texas statehouse in a bipartisan way. In particular, Phelan cooperated in the impeachment of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, one of the leading contenders for a Texas seat in the U.S. Senate.”
Voss continued: “For Trump to take swipes at Phelan is consistent with his past behavior. The bigger question is whether Trump’s unnecessary rhetorical volley at Phelan is a sign that he might wade into the Republican Senate primary on Paxton’s behalf, given that Paxton is thought to be neck and neck with incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary.”
Phelan in August on X announcing his retirement: “This video from Chuck Norris about my retirement in 2026 is my last #txlege House political ad. paid for by Texans for Dade. May God Bless the House and may God Bless the Great State of Texas! #HD21 #SETX”
Trump on Truth Social last year backing Covey: “David Covey is running against Dade Phelan, the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who led the Fraudulent Impeachment of the recently re-elected, in a landslide, Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton. David is an America First Conservative who will Secure the Border, Restore Election Integrity, Protect our Families and Military/Vets, and Defend our under siege Second Amendment.”
The president continued, “David Covey has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Texas’ 21st State House District—He will never let you down! Any Republican backing Phelan is a fool, and should be disassociated from the Republican Party — that’s how bad Phelan is, especially on, Election Integrity!”
What Happens Next
Phelan’s retirement will leave a vacancy in the Texas House, prompting speculation about who might succeed him and how the GOP will position itself in future legislative battles.
Dustin Burrows, a Phelan ally, has succeeded him as Speaker.
Update 11/11/25 11:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from D. Stephen Voss.
The Texas Longhorns entered the 2025 season with more expectations than any team has had to deal with in recent memory.
Many among the media were ready to crown the team and quarterback Arch Manning before they even played one game. Of course, those unrealistic expectations were never met, even though the team finished with a 10-3 record and a Citrus Bowl win over the Michigan Wolverines.
2026 is heading in the same direction for the Longhorns. Many believe head coach Steve Sarkisian has the most talented team in the country. But in order to fix the issues from this past season, the Longhorns needed to fix one issue that has cost them in the past.
Changing The Narrative
One of the biggest issues the Longhorns had last season was the play of the offensive line. It was apparent in the first game of the season against the Ohio State Buckeyes that Manning didn’t have the pocket time needed to make big plays.
This offseason, Coach Sarkisian went out and found two massive transfer portal additions that should completely change the narrative on this offensive line.
It starts with potential starting right tackle Melvin Siani. Siani has spent time with the Temple Owls and last season with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
The Longhorns are set at left tackle with Trevor Goosby, who could play himself into being a top 10 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. If the team can get competent play from Siani, the offense will be able to open up the playbook, and the world may finally see Manning at his college peak.
The Longhorns also went out and found a potential fix at left guard for the 2026 season. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers transfer Laurence Seymore could be another strong patch for the holes in the offensive line.
After spending the first two seasons of his college career with the Miami Hurricanes, Seymore made stops with the Akron Zips and the Hilltoppers.
Of course, the one concern with Seymore is wondering if he can compete at the SEC level coming from the C-USA.
This season for the Longhorns starts and stops with the play of Manning. Coach Sarkisian and the rest of this coaching staff understood that protecting their quarterback was the most important goal when building the 2026 roster.
The Longhorns are going to be leaning on veteran talent to protect their quarterback, and it may very well be the best decision they made this offseason.
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U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico promise to serve all in El Paso
U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico discusses key public issues in Texas during the first stop of his Frontera Tour July 11, 2026 in El Paso.
The two candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas are making stops across the Lone Star State this week.
Democrat James Talarico and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will head to South Texas as the two go head-to-head in the Nov. 3 General Election to replace U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. Cornyn lost his reelection bid to Paxton in the Republican Primary Election.
The campaign tour continues for Talarico after hosting townhalls in El Paso and Marfa as part of his “Frontera Tour,” while Paxton is holding a “Rally in the Valley” in McAllen.
Here’s where the candidates will be in Texas.
Paxton heads to McAllen for ‘Rally in the Valley’
Paxton is heading to McAllen for his “Rally in the Valley” event at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. He’ll be joined by National Border Security Council President Paul Perez, TX-28 Nominee Tano Tijerina, and TX-34 Nominee Eric Flores.
The all-ages event will take place at University Draft House Townlake McAllen, 100 West Business 83, and spots can be reserved at eventbrite.com.
Talarico to visit Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Laredo
Talarico continues his “Frontera” tour with a stop in Del Rio on Monday, July 14.
“Gather with your family, friends, and neighbors to hear from James about taking his fight against Big Money and corruption to Washington. Together, we can win back power for working people in a system that’s rigged for the ultra-wealthy,” the event page states, adding that the program will be short and voters can greet Talarico after.
Here are the stops on Talarico’s “Frontera” tour:
Monday, July 13:
- 3 p.m. Memo’s Restaurant, 804 E Losoya St. in Del Rio
- 7 p.m. International Center For Trade, 3295 Bob Rogers Drive in Eagle Pass
Tuesday, July 14:
- 6 p.m. La Posada – San Agustin Ballroom, 1000 Zaragoza St. 107 in Laredo
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
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