It’s been recently reported that Democratic Texas state Rep. Ryan Guillen, who has been in politics for a long time, has announced that he is running for re-election as a Republican.
“After much consideration and prayer with my family, I feel that my fiscally conservative, pro-business, and pro-life values are no longer in-step with the Democrat Party of today, and I am proudly running as a Republican to represent House District 31,” he said on Twitter with a screenshot of a press release.
“Throughout my entire career, creating a prosperous business climate, defending the second amendment, and protecting the lives of the unborn are the cornerstones of how I have represented my district,” he said in the press release. “After much consideration and prayer with my family, I feel that my fiscally conservative, pro-business, and pro-life values are no longer in-step with the Democrat Party of today, and I am proudly running as a Republican to represent House District 31.”
It was further reported that Guillen said his values no longer aligned with Democrats, who criticized him for switching rather than staying in the party and fighting for his seat.
“Throughout my entire career, creating a prosperous business climate, defending the second amendment, and protecting the lives of the unborn are the cornerstones of how I have represented my district,” Guillen said. “After much consideration and prayer with my family, I feel that my fiscally conservative, pro-business, and pro-life values are no longer in step with the Democratic Party of today, and I am proudly running as a Republican to represent House District 31.”
After Guillen switched sides Monday, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) issued the following statement:
“Republicans cynically gutted Rep. Guillen’s district in the redistricting process, showing complete disrespect for both him and his constituents. Usually, people in Ryan’s position would choose to fight. Instead, he has chosen to join them. Rep. Guillen probably doesn’t believe the Republican talking points he is repeating today, but he thinks they may help him get elected again. Ryan has run for office and been elected as a Democrat for 19 years. He has supported many key Democratic priorities, such as Medicaid expansion and investments in public education, while also opposing the so-called ‘election integrity bill. It will be interesting to see how he explains his voting record to his new party, given Republicans’ hostility to affordable health care and the freedom to vote.”
Abbott, meanwhile, tweeted “Guillen’s decision to switch parties is indicative of a shifting landscape in South Texas.”
The Texas border has long been a stronghold for Democrats. But the GOP is now looking to expand its reach along the border after former President Donald Trump made unexpected gains there in 2020.
I’ve read Nancy Pelosi’s e-mails and the gentleman is right to change parties. The Democrats are wrong on every single issue and they lie with profound impunity.