Texas Young Republicans Revoke Partner Status With Republican Party of Texas
YRs cite problems with RPT leadership as their reason for leaving.
During this weekend’s National Young Republican event held in Dallas, the Texas Young Republican Federation (TYRF) voted to officially revoke it’s partner status with the Republican Party of Texas (RPT).
Editors note: For Current Revolt paid subscribers, this news isn’t much of a surprise, we actually reported on the potential of this happening five months ago. Consider subscribing if you want to know about Texas political happenings before anyone else. More info at the end of this article.
TYRF put out the following statement:
The group cites numerous problems, including “smear” campaigns by RPT Chairman Matt Rinaldi against Hayden Padgett, the former TYRF Chairman and now the newly elected National YR Chairman. TYRF alleges this includes public endorsements against Padgett, using the RPT platform to campaign against Padgett, as well as “documented misinformation campaigns.”
Derrick Wilson, the Chairman of Texas Young Republicans, posted screenshots of RPT Chairman Matt Rinaldi asking someone for “the best dirt” on Hayden Padgett.
The “manifesto” in question was a letter from Rinaldi endorsing Padgett’s opponent in his run for National Young Republican Chair.
Padgett went on to win his race 575-127.
TYRF also took the step to de-federate the incredibly successful and popular Dallas County Young Republicans from the organization, removing their status as an “official” YR group in Texas.
We spoke with TYRF Communication Director Rafael Struve regarding the situation with Dallas County YR. Struve stated the reasons for the de-federation were related to a lack of participation and communication from DYR with TYRF. Struve also stated that DYR did not submit dues or credentials but that DYR would be eligible to rejoin TYRF provided they would come back into compliance and follow guidelines.
Dallas County Young Republicans is one of, if not the most highly attended and successful political clubs in the state.
Chad Cohen, President of Dallas County Young Republicans gave us the following statement:
Dallas County Young Republicans is a group of young professionals committed to advancing conservative policy priorities and working to make a real impact in our community. Our commitment to that mission is unwavering. In light of TYRF’s decision to leave the Republican Party of Texas and its vote of “no confidence” in Chairman Rinaldi, DYR cannot be a part of TYRF. Our membership has experienced explosive growth over the last four years, largely because of our focus on fighting for “Texas First” policies and approaching the work of grassroots activism with seriousness. Our membership cannot contribute to and support TYRF while it actively works against our membership’s policy priorities and the Republican Party of Texas. DYR remains focused on growing its membership, engaging the community, and producing real change. We look forward to continued membership growth and the serious business of increasing political engagement among young people across North Texas.
-Chad Cohen
President of Dallas County Young Republicans
As mentioned at the top of this article, we reported whispers of this happening five months ago. If you’re a paid subscriber this is just confirmation of our initial reporting from our weekly “Many People Are Saying” article:
TYR's are doing in and out of state deployments to get local Republicans elected. TYR's made over 600k voter contacts in the midterms. NYRF made 23 million voter contacts for 22 and a total of 50 million the last two cycles.
Appreciate your detailed and accurate reporting. Sad to see the division we are experiencing but sometimes you have to trim the dead wight in order to move forward. Thankful that Chairman Rinaldi is strong in his stance for Texas priorities.