Austin, Texas – In a news release from the Texas Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller (R) demanded that Republican Party of Texas Chair D’Rinda Randall step down immediately following Tuesday’s election results.
Election outcomes prompt call for accountability
Miller described the outcome as a “political catastrophe,” noting that Republicans lost every statewide contest on the ballot, lost control of the Texas House of Representatives, and saw their majority on the State Board of Education slip.
“Let’s quit pretending this was just another election,” Miller said. “This was a political catastrophe.” He added that Randall’s post‑election statement failed to accept responsibility for the party’s defeats.
Concerns from the grassroots
The commissioner said he has repeatedly shared concerns voiced by farmers, ranchers, veterans, homeowners and small‑business owners with Randall. Those concerns include the impact of data centers, a proposed 765‑kilovolt transmission line, rising gasoline prices, insurance premiums, property taxes, school vouchers and a proposed THC ban.
According to Miller, Randall dismissed the data‑center issue as less important than the social issues she was prioritizing. “We can stand up for faith, family, traditional values, and every conservative principle we hold dear while also fighting to protect a rancher’s property, a family’s water supply, and a homeowner’s electric bill,” Miller asserted.
Policy disagreements and a request to the governor
Miller also raised concerns about Flock cameras, gasoline prices, insurance costs, property taxes, school vouchers and a proposed THC ban. He said he asked Governor Greg Abbott to temporarily suspend the state motor‑fuels tax, but Abbott declined.
Looking ahead
The release noted that the election results set the Texas House on a path to elect its first Democratic speaker since Republican Tom Craddick succeeded Democrat Pete Laney in 2003.
Despite the setbacks, Miller expressed confidence that Texas remains a conservative state. He announced plans to travel across Texas to meet voters, listen to their concerns and work to rebuild trust in the Republican Party.
“I intend to spend my time traveling our great state, sitting down with my fellow Texans, listening to their concerns, and working to rebuild the trust our party has lost,” Miller said. “But rebuilding requires accountability. And accountability must start at the top.”
No response from party chair
The agriculture department’s release did not include a response from Randall or the statement Miller referenced.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
