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Attorney General Ken Paxton is shown with supporters Friday at the Texas GOP convention in Houston.<\/p>\n
Melissa Phillip\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2013\u00a0Texas Republicans left their state convention<\/a> projecting unity, warning against complacency and embracing an ambitious conservative agenda aimed at countering Democratic gains in urban areas.<\/p>\n But beneath the optimism, divisions from a bruising primary season<\/a> suggest GOP leaders and activists still have work to do to maintain their dominance in Texas.<\/p>\n The gathering offered a preview of the opportunities and challenges Republicans face heading into November and beyond. Here are five takeaways from the Texas GOP convention.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Can unity extend beyond the convention hall?<\/p>\n From Gov. Greg Abbott to Attorney General Ken Paxton to Sen. Ted Cruz, the convention headliners delivered the same message: Put aside the brutal primary season and form a united front against Democrats.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes in primaries the differences feel massive until you look to November and see the differences with the other side,\u201d Cruz said.<\/p>\n Convincing partisans at a convention is easier than bringing those outside the hall back into the fold.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Sen. John Cornyn, who lost a hard-fought<\/a>, bitter runoff to Paxton, did not attend the convention.<\/a> Most of the other down-ballot primary losers skipped the event. There were few photos of the vanquished locking arms with the nominees.<\/p>\n Republicans still need the party’s moderate and establishment wings fully engaged in November.<\/p>\n \nCan Paxton broaden his appeal?\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Attorney General Ken Paxton, the GOP nominee for the Senate, and state Rep. Katrina Pierson of Rockwall at the Texas GOP convention Friday in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.<\/p>\n Melissa Phillip\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n Paxton’s speech was brief and focused<\/a> more on party unity, fundraising and chiding Democratic rival James Talarico than on laying out a broader vision for the fall campaign.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cNo matter who you supported in the primary, I will work every day to earn your support because right now the stakes could not be higher,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Paxton built his political brand by appealing to grassroots conservatives and closely aligning himself with President Donald Trump, whose standing remains strong with the GOP base but weaker among independents.<\/p>\n Paxton has never before led a statewide ticket, so he’ll have to appeal to the broader coalition of voters needed to win a general election.<\/p>\n How will Abbott use his millions?<\/p>\n Gov. Greg Abbott at the Texas GOP convention in Houston.<\/p>\n Melissa Phillip\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n Abbott, seeking an unprecedented fourth term, continued to ignore state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, his Democratic opponent.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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