Far-Right Republican Tom Oliverson Announces Candidacy For Texas House Speaker

When Republicans in the Texas House move right, they are unmistakably moving into fascism.

State Representative Tom Oliverson, a Republican from Harris County, has thrown his hat into the ring for Texas House Speaker. His announcement comes on the heels of the current speaker, Dade Phelan, who is being sent into a runoff race. Tom Oliverson’s ideals are much further right than Dade Phelan’s and embrace the very definition of fascism.

While the situation is volatile, plenty of things could happen between now and next January when the speaker is chosen. It’s important to talk about the consequences of what an Oliverson speakership would look like.

How do Oliverson’s ideals align with fascism?

Fascism is characterized by several core traits, including:

• Authoritarian leadership and prioritizing the state over individual rights.

In 2016, Oliverson sponsored the bill prohibiting companies with state contracts from boycotting Israel. In 2021, he co-sponsored the bill to end abortion access in Texas. He also sponsored the bill to penalize cities that invested in mental health and community programs instead of police funding. He co-sponsored a bill that bans all government entities in Texas from raising the minimum wage.

• Nationalism is often coupled with racism or xenophobia.

Tom Oliverson voted yes on SB4, the “Show Me Your Papers” bill. He also voted to end college campus diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Suppression of political opposition.

In 2017, he co-sponsored the bill ending straight-ticket voting and voted for the bill allowing the Secretary of State to overturn Harris County elections. Oliverson also voted to ban drive-thru voting and stop houseless people from voting.

• Economic control to benefit the state, sometimes incorporating corporatist elements.

In 2021, he co-sponsored a bill to limit trucking companies’ liability in car accidents. He also sponsored a bill prohibiting discrimination against the firearm industry and prohibiting businesses from restricting guns on their premises. Oliverson voted yes on prohibiting cities from banning gas hook-ups on new construction. He also voted to ban so-called ESG in Texas.

• Use of symbols and mass mobilization to unify and manipulate the population.

In 2021, he sponsored the 1836 Project bill, which requires all drivers to receive propaganda material at the DMV. Oliverson also voted to create border police that would target and harass border communities.

These votes are only the tip of the iceberg.

Oliverson’s legislative track record reveals his propensity for fascist policies.

The potential election of Oliverson as Texas House Speaker would have severe repercussions across various sectors. The expected outcomes include an erosion of civil liberties, where state interests overshadow individual rights, leading to suppressed dissent and marginalized communities.

Economic inequity may deepen as worker protections are weakened and corporate influence grows. Moreover, a shift towards nationalistic policies could foster xenophobia in one of the most diverse states in America. Democratic principles such as transparency and accountability would deteriorate, endangering the integrity of democratic processes.

If Republicans hold on to the Texas House and Oliverson wins as speaker, the consequences would negatively impact nearly every Texan. Tom Oliverson’s bid for Texas House Speaker represents a dangerous path threatening our state’s foundations.

2024 will be a pivotal year in Texas politically, socially, and economically.

Soon, I’ll examine in depth which House seats can be flipped. Please support your House candidates and talk to your family and friends about the importance of voting in this election.

A Democrat is running against Tom Oliverson in House District 130, but he has an uphill battle due to gerrymandering. Brett Robinson is a solid candidate; volunteer or donate to him if you can.

A lot of work needs to be done this year and it will take all of us, but most importantly, vote early, vote often, just vote.

Important 2024 primary RUNOFF election days:

• April 29, 2024: Last day to register to vote.

• May 17, 2024: Last day to apply by mail

• May 20, 2024: First day of early voting.

• May 24, 2024: Last day of early voting.

• May 28, 2024: Last day to receive a ballot by mail.

• May 28, 2024: Election day.

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