The hardline House Freedom Caucus is poised to swell its ranks among Texas members after a successful primary season in which two challengers backed by the group’s political arm won their primaries and a third candidate nearly won outright in a nine-way open race.
Tuesday was an ascendant night for the conservative group — often a thorn in the side of House GOP leadership — and its imprint on Texas’ congressional delegation. The Freedom Caucus could end up doubling the number of Texans on its roster come next Congress, pushing the state’s delegation further to the right and adding reinforcements who appear willing to follow the group’s obstructionist playbook.
Known for its conservative absolutist approach and willingness to defy GOP leaders, the Freedom Caucus encompasses the most right-wing members of the House, typically those who are the loudest advocates for cutting spending and restricting immigration. The group, which currently numbers 30 members, has demonstrated a willingness to take stands by using procedural maneuvers to tank, or at least hold up, Republican-led bills.
