During primary season, most Republican lawmakers try to distance themselves from their moderate brethren while claiming their conservative victories and bashing the Austin establishment. But, instead of distancing, one lawmaker is cozying up hoping it’ll benefit his campaign.
Texas State Rep. Wayne Faircloth (R-Dickinson) sent out an email touting a fundraising reception being held for him at the Austin Club with special guest, House Speaker Joe Straus.
In the email, Faircloth claims that Hurricane Harvey impacted his fundraising efforts and, so, he needs to make up for it with an Austin fundraiser. Harvey’s impact on Faircloth’s fundraising is certainly the least of many of his storm-battered constituents’ concerns.
Faircloth represents House District 23, covering hard-hit Galveston and Chambers counties.
“Rep. Faircloth serves the people of Galveston and Chambers counties, which as you know, have been completely devastated by Hurricane Harvey. His fundraising efforts have been severely affected by this disaster and he is facing a self-financed opponent,” reads the email.
Faircloth’s fundraiser shows more than his desire to cozy up to Austin establishment; it shows the disconnect with his base. Galveston County Republican Party, in Faircloth’s home county, just weeks ago passed a resolution condemning Straus for obstructing the party’s platform.
His primary challenger, Mayes Middleton, announced his intentions to oust Faircloth back in June and has been campaigning in the district since.
