The Houston Chronicle, the largest newspaper in Texas, has criticized the recent Republican primary election in the state, describing it as a "Texas GOP blood oath" where Governor Greg Abbott sought to oust GOP lawmakers who did not align with him. The primary, which took place on Super Tuesday, saw conservative judges and Republican legislators lose their positions for not yielding to Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's demands.

In an op-ed published on Wednesday, the editorial board of The Houston Chronicle expressed its concern over Abbott's push to remove 21 Republican lawmakers who voted against his school voucher plan. The lawmakers, who the newspaper deemed wise for siding with House Democrats, were simply doing their job by not succumbing to Abbott's wishes.

Abbott has been an advocate for a school voucher plan that would allow Texan parents to use taxpayer dollars to send their children to nonpublic schools. However, the Chronicle highlighted that these lawmakers, who opposed the plan, faced defeat in Tuesday's primary. Eight of them lost their seats, while four are now headed for runoff elections.

The newspaper commended Texas Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan, who defied Abbott and Paxton, and will now face Republican activist David Covey in the runoff. Phelan had voted to impeach Paxton in May 2023 and did not cast a vote on Abbott's school voucher plan. The Chronicle lauded Phelan's actions, describing them as true leadership and respecting the will of the House.

The article also mentioned former President Donald Trump's influence in the primary elections. Trump had endorsed challengers for three judges on Texas' highest criminal court, who ultimately lost their positions. The Chronicle raised concerns about upholding the rule of law when powerful politicians like Paxton are supported by Trump.

Furthermore, the Chronicle urged its readers to vote for candidates in the general election who prioritize political independence and will not blindly support Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's agenda.

The primary election results highlighted that some voters in Texas still value integrity in their representatives and are not inclined towards complete loyalty to the party, according to the Chronicle's analysis.

As of now, there has been no response from Governor Abbott or Attorney General Paxton's offices regarding the Houston Chronicle's condemnation of the primary election.