Texas Secretary of State Robert Howden to Defend Open Primaries Amid GOP Lawsuit
Robert Howden, the newly appointed Texas Secretary of State, has announced his intention to continue defending the state's open primary system. This decision places him in opposition to the Texas GOP, which filed a lawsuit last year seeking to eliminate the current system that allows voters to participate in primaries without declaring a party affiliation. The GOP argues that the open primary system allows Democrats and independents to influence Republican primaries, potentially moderating the party's candidates. The lawsuit has been a significant financial burden for the party, and the new party chair, D’rinda Randall, has reported that legal fees related to the case are the party's largest unpaid debt. Despite the GOP's hopes for a change in stance with the appointment of Howden, he has stated that any changes to the primary system should be decided by the Texas Legislature. 
