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).

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.

Phelan was elected speaker in January, with only freshmen State Reps. Bryan Slaton (R–Royse City) and Jeff Cason (R–Bedford) voting in opposition.

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."