At Texas GOP convention, calls for party unity and other key takeaways

HOUSTON - Texas Republicans left their state convention projecting unity, warning against complacency and embracing an ambitious conservative agenda aimed at countering Democratic gains in urban areas.

But beneath the optimism, divisions from a bruising primary season suggest GOP leaders and activists still have work to do to maintain their dominance in Texas.

The gathering offered a preview of the opportunities and challenges Republicans face heading into November and beyond. Here are five takeaways from the Texas GOP convention.

Can unity extend beyond the convention hall?

From Gov. Greg Abbott to Attorney General Ken Paxton to Sen. Ted Cruz, the convention headliners delivered the same message: Put aside the brutal primary season and form a united front against Democrats.

"Sometimes in primaries the differences feel massive until you look to November and see the differences with the other side," Cruz said.

Convincing partisans at a convention is easier than bringing those outside the hall back into the fold.

Sen. John Cornyn, who lost a hard-fought, bitter runoff to Paxton, did not attend the convention. Most of the other down-ballot primary losers skipped the event. There were few photos of the vanquished locking arms with the nominees.

Republicans still need the party's moderate and establishment wings fully engaged in November.

Can Paxton broaden his appeal?

Paxton's speech was brief and focused more on party unity, fundraising and chiding Democratic rival James Talarico than on laying out a broader vision for the fall campaign.

"No matter who you supported in the primary, I will work every day to earn your support because right now the stakes could not be higher," he said.

Paxton built his political brand by appealing to grassroots conservatives and closely aligning himself with President Donald Trump, whose standing remains strong with the GOP base but weaker among independents.

Paxton has never before led a statewide ticket, so he'll have to appeal to the broader coalition of voters needed to win a general election.

How will Abbott use his millions?

Abbott, seeking an unprecedented fourth term, continued to ignore state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, his Democratic opponent.

Instead, he took aim at Talarico and talked broadly about using his considerable campaign resources to "keep Texas, Texas" and prevent Democrats from implementing left-leaning policies in the Lone Star State.

"When we Republicans unite, we are unbeatable," he said. "Together, we will demolish the Democrats."

Unless Hinojosa gains enough traction to demand his attention, he'll continue to run a broad anti-Democratic Party campaign that seeks to propel the entire ticket.

Can the party turn priorities into policy?

Delegates approved party goals that include stricter voting laws, proof-of-citizenship requirements and limits on mail ballots.

The GOP platform also called for ending the state's open primary system, eliminating property taxes and creating a Texas Homeland Security Department.

Those priorities often reflect activists' ambitions more than lawmakers' plans. Abbott embraced parts of the agenda, including closing GOP primaries and phasing out school district property taxes, but many proposals face steep political and practical hurdles.

Did the elephant steal the show?

After Abbott spoke Friday, a 9-foot, 4-ton elephant draped with a banner declaring "Unity Drives Victory" was led through the George R. Brown Convention Center. It ambled past the delegates, stopping only to urinate on the floor.

Abbott's campaign described Paige the elephant's appearance as an "enduring symbol" that "reinforced the convention's message of unity heading into November."

Democrats later mocked it as "the perfect metaphor for the Texas Republican Party."

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