Grassroots Texans aren’t talking enough about Jim Wright’s Donations to Joe Straus
Texas conservatives are in the middle of a critical Republican primary runoff for Railroad Commissioner between Bo French and Jim Wright. While much of the conversation has focused on energy policy and regulatory reform, grassroots Texans need to shine a brighter light on something far more revealing: Jim Wright’s financial support for one of the most anti-conservative House Speakers in modern Texas history.
In January 2009, Joe Straus seized the Speaker’s gavel with heavy Democratic help, ousting conservative Tom Craddick. From day one, Straus ran the Texas House like a liberal’s dream and a conservative’s nightmare. He stacked key committees with Democrats, giving them real power over taxes, spending, and legislation. He appointed nearly as many Democrat committee chairs as Republicans, diluting the GOP majority that voters had delivered.
That session, Straus slow-walked and effectively killed critical conservative priorities. The “Choose Life” specialty license plate bill, co-authored by dozens of conservatives, languished in a committee chaired by a Democrat who opposed it. The sonogram bill, which would have required women seeking abortions to receive an ultrasound and basic information about their unborn child, arrived too late for real action after delays under Straus’s leadership. And the Voter ID bill, a cornerstone of election integrity, died amid Democratic “chubbing” tactics while Straus failed to crack the whip and protect Republican priorities.
In the 2009 session, Straus killed pro-life legislation, Voter ID, and many other Republican priorities. It was clear to everyone that Straus served the Democrats and despised Texas Republican voters.
And here’s what grassroots Texans should be outraged about: Jim Wright wrote a $1,000 check to Joe Straus in September 2009, months after the 2009 session had ended and Straus’s betrayal of conservative values was on full display for everyone to see.
This contribution can only be understood as an endorsement of Straus’ actions. By September 2009, the record was clear: Straus had empowered Democrats in the House, blocked pro-life advancements, and let Voter ID die. Yet Wright still chose to cut a check to keep Straus in power. That decision speaks volumes about where Wright’s loyalties truly lie.
Wright’s support for Straus fits a troubling pattern. Records show he has also donated tens of thousands of dollars to Democrats, including opponents of strong conservative leaders like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The case is clear: Jim Wright is a Democrat, through and through, and unfit to represent Republican voters.
Bo French, by contrast, has a proven record as a bold conservative fighter. As former Tarrant County GOP Chairman, he has stood up for Republican values without apology. In the Railroad Commission runoff, French represents the grassroots energy needed to reduce burdensome regulations on Texas producers, end DEI in our most important industry, and repel the Islamic invasion of our state.
Actions speak louder than words. Donations even more so. When Jim Wright wrote that check to Joe Straus in the fall of 2009, he told us exactly who he is. Grassroots Texans shouldn’t forget it now.
It’s time to send a clear message in the May 26 runoff: No more rewarding Democrats who hate our values. It’s time to elect a Railroad Commissioner who is committed to fighting for our values, and that candidate is Bo French.