From a resounding setback for the Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM), the Texas Supreme Court has unequivocally rejected their endeavor to include a vote on Texas independence in the upcoming state Republican Party’s March primary ballot, according to a report by Newsweek on Thursday, January 11, 2024. This decisive court ruling deals a severe blow to the aspirations of secessionist campaigners, fueling discontent and frustration among those advocating for Texas independence.
Initiated by the Texas Nationalist Movement, a prominent group spearheading the campaign for Texas secession, the case saw their petition, containing a substantial 139,456 signatures, summarily dismissed by the Texas Supreme Court, intensifying the ire of secessionist advocates hoping for a different outcome.
This marks a significant reversal for Texan nationalists, who had witnessed a surge in support in recent years. Despite the Texas GOP’s endorsement of a referendum on the state’s independence during its June 2022 convention, legislative attempts to trigger a referendum, including Representative Bryan Slaton’s proposal in March 2023, failed to progress beyond the committee stage.
More Read
Last month, TNM President Daniel Miller delivered a petition labeled “TEXIT” to the state GOP headquarters in Austin. Despite the requirement of 97,709 signatures for inclusion on the primary ballot, the TNM exceeded expectations with 139,456 signatures. However, Texas Republican Party Chair Matt Rinaldi rejected the petition, citing irregularities, such as missing information on some signatures and the untimely delivery on the deadline rather than a day prior.
In response, the TNM promptly filed an emergency petition with the state Supreme Court, aiming to secure the inclusion of the #TEXIT referendum on the Republican primary ballot and to uphold the right of self-government. Despite their determination, the legal bid faced an immediate setback, with the Supreme Court of Texas denying the petition for a writ of mandamus, leaving secessionist campaigners disheartened.
Expressing frustration on X, formerly Twitter, Paul M. Davis, a member of the TNM legal team, stated, “Well, we did everything we could, but the Supreme Court of Texas screwed us. Didn’t even want to look at the petition TNM submitted to Rinaldi to see if what we said was true. Just ‘nope.’ No explanation. No nothing.”
This swift and unequivocal denial by the Texas Supreme Court not only dealt a brutal blow to the hopes of those advocating for Texas independence but also underscored the challenging path ahead for secessionist movements within the legal framework. As the dust settles on this legal battle, the broader implications for the Texas independence movement remain uncertain, leaving secessionists determined but disheartened in the face of this unexpected setback.
