In a stunning political upset, Katrina Pierson, a former aide to ex-President Donald Trump, has ousted incumbent GOP State Representative Justin Holland in Texas. Holland, known for his role in the attempt to impeach Trump-backed Attorney General Ken Paxton, was defeated in Tuesday’s GOP primary for the 33rd legislative district near Dallas.
Katrina Pierson, recognized for her role as Trump’s 2016 campaign national spokeswoman, emerged victorious in a hotly contested primary that underscored deep rifts within the Texas GOP. Holland had drawn ire from conservative circles for his legislative actions, which included supporting a bill to increase the minimum age for purchasing firearms and opposing Governor Greg Abbott’s favored school voucher plan. These actions, deemed betrayals by hardline conservatives, ultimately set the stage for his primary challenge.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott, aligning himself with the more conservative wing of his party, endorsed Pierson in the days leading up to the primary, later celebrating her victory on social media. “Congratulations to @KatrinaPierson on an incredible VICTORY in her Republican Primary Runoff in House District 33! #txlege,” Abbott posted on X, marking a significant endorsement in her campaign.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, also aligned with Trump, echoed Abbott’s sentiments, congratulating Pierson and taking a jab at Holland in the process: “Congratulations to @KatrinaPierson for DEFEATING Austin RINO Justin Holland,” Paxton’s campaign posted on X. “You have sent a strong message to Austin that if members continue to prioritize Democrats over our Conservative Agenda they will not return in 2026.”
