The Republican Party of Texas is asking a federal court to end the state’s open primary system, arguing that allowing Democrats and independents to vote in Republican primaries violates the party’s First Amendment right to control its membership and choose its nominees.
In court filings, the state GOP says Texas law lets non-Republicans influence Republican candidate selection because voters do not register by party and may choose a primary ballot on election day.
Party leaders want authority to limit participation to voters who formally register or affirm Republican affiliation, similar to closed-primary states.
Disability rights and voting access advocates oppose the lawsuit, warning that a party registration requirement would create new barriers for voters with disabilities. They argue added paperwork, deadlines, or verification steps could discourage participation and disproportionately affect voters who rely on assistance or accommodations.