What Is a Rule 44 Censure Resolution?
June 19, 2025 | Media Inquiries: press@mctxgop.org
A Texas GOP Rule 44 censure resolution is a formal reprimand issued by the Republican Party of Texas against a Republican officeholder for actions taken in office that go against the party’s core principles or legislative priorities.
Under Rule 44, a County Executive Committee (CEC) may censure an officeholder by a two-thirds vote of that officeholder’s constituent precinct chairs present and voting. The officeholder must receive at least seven days’ notice, including an invitation to appear and speak before the CEC.
The censure targets officeholders who take three or more actions during their current term in opposition to the state party's core principles (as defined in the Preamble of the Party Platform) or the Legislative Priorities adopted at the most recent state convention.
Penalties may include:
The party opposing the censured officeholder’s campaign.
Withholding financial or other support.
Spending from the party’s general fund to publicize the censure if the officeholder runs in a Republican Primary.
Discouraging the officeholder from participating in the Primary.
The 2024 Texas GOP Convention expanded Rule 44 to require County Chairs to reject Primary applications from candidates censured under Rule 44 within the past two years. The Texas GOP’s State Republican Executive Committee is working on final guidance for county parties. You can read more here: