Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan (R–Beaumont) bragged on social media about attending a fundraiser event with quorum-busting Democrats in the Rio Grande Valley—just one mile from where the Republican National Committee was hosting an event.
“Couldn’t wrap up 2021 without visiting the Rio Grande Valley,” Phelan tweeted along with photos featuring himself with Democrat State Reps. Terry Canales, Sergio Munoz Jr., Oscar Longoria, Armando Martinez, and Bobby Guerra, and State Sen. Chuy Hinojosa (D–McAllen).
Couldn’t wrap up 2021 without visiting the Rio Grande Valley. I appreciate the work of Representatives @TerryCanales40, @RepLongoria, Sergio Muñoz, Jr., @andoconmando39, @RDBobbyGuerra, & Senator @TXChuy in the Legislature for their respective districts in the RGV #txlege pic.twitter.com/5VQ0H0ISj3
— Dade Phelan (@DadePhelan) December 16, 2021
Each of the five House members—Canales, Longoria, Munoz, Martinez, and Guerra—took part in the Democrats’ quorum-busting efforts this summer to obstruct the passage of election integrity legislation. Canales was, and remains, the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, a position to which Phelan appointed him.
Meanwhile, at the same time and just a mile away, the Republican National Committee’s Community Center—in conjunction with the Hidalgo County Young Republicans—was hosting a Christmas party in their work to expand the impact of the GOP in the RGV.
Thank you everyone who came out to celebrate with us at the RNC tonight! The gifts donated will be going to charity 🎁❤️ Special thank you to Santa for visiting our community’s kids! Thank you TLC and Hidalgo YRs for hosting with us 💕 #LoneStarHerd #LeadRight pic.twitter.com/B9FeoLDB92
— RNC of the RGV (@RNC_RGV) December 16, 2021
Phelan was elected speaker in January, with only freshmen State Reps. Bryan Slaton (R–Royse City) and Jeff Cason (R–Bedford) voting in opposition.