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President Trump's recent pardon of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar on federal corruption charges has stunned local Texas Republicans, who saw it as their best shot to flip his border district in next year's midterms. Texas GOP leaders had redrawn the map to target the seat, where Trump won big in 2024, but the pardon erased Cuellar's vulnerability, leaving party chairs like Zapata County's Jennifer Thatcher disappointed and scrambling for new strategies.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party shows deepening fractures as Trump struggles with leadership and sagging popularity. Divisions erupt over health care, with House GOP moderates pushing to extend Obamacare subsidies for 20 million users, only to face resistance from Speaker Mike Johnson and conservatives wary of abortion coverage ties. Moderates like Brian Fitzpatrick launched discharge petitions too late to force a vote before year's end, highlighting rifts in purple districts vulnerable to 2026 losses.
Broader GOP infighting spans mid-decade redistricting battles—California's Democratic counter-gerrymander via Proposition 50 has energized blue voters against Trump—plus splits on Russia-Ukraine policy, AI safeguards, marijuana reform, Afghan immigrant handling after a shooting, and even federal worker rights. Trump's mass deportation push clashes with some party pushback, while his 40% approval rating underscores a lame-duck White House failing to pass bills or win elections.
House Republicans gear up for a final 2025 push on their health plan amid low-drama congressional sessions, but unity claims ring hollow as policy flops and midterm fears mount.
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