The Back Mic: Texas GOP Decries Election Fraud Ruling, New Senate Finance Chair Tapped, Abbott Sheriff Endorsements Listed

Texas GOP Decries Criminal Appeals Court Ruling on Election Fraud Prosecution

The Texas legislature’s marquee legislation from 2021, the Election Integrity Act of 2021, is at risk after the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that only county district attorneys may prosecute election fraud allegations.

With some county attorneys across the state either hesitant or outright dismissive of prosecuting election fraud, that leaves the bill’s future in question. The legislation granted the state attorney general specific authority to prosecute those allegations, but it was ruled a violation of the separation of powers by the court.

Being the highest judicial authority on criminal matters, the court’s decision is final.

This week, the Republican Party of Texas released a terse statement criticizing the ruling and backing the attorney general’s authority.

“This decision is bad for Texas. Now, Texans will be forced to rely on their local prosecutors to investigate and prosecute election fraud,” the statement read. “This most likely means large urban areas and liberal strong holds will have no recourse to pursue election fraud.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has asked the court to reconsider its ruling. The party echoed this request, saying, “The Republican Party of Texas supports the motion for a rehearing and…