Daniel Miller, leader of the Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM), said Democratic victories in the midterm elections could create a new opportunity for supporters of Texas independence. In an article published on the Texian Partisan website, he argued that a shift in the state’s political balance does not have to mean a weakening of the separatist movement. The organization is pushing for a referendum in November 2027 on the secession of the Lone Star State from the United States.
“I believe no organization in Texas comes out of this election in a better position to achieve its goals than the Texas Nationalist Movement,” Miller wrote. In a statement to Newsweek, he stressed that more than 700,000 people have joined the organization, which he said exceeds the margin of victory in 16 of 18 statewide races.
He acknowledged that some independence supporters are wondering how to carry out TEXIT while Democrats are taking power. Miller argues, however, that the previous Republican majority in the Texas House of Representatives twice blocked bills calling for an independence referendum, in 2021 and 2023. Both initiatives stalled at the committee stage.
In Tuesday’s elections, Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the governor’s race in an upset, taking 52.8% of the vote to 45.7% for incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Hinojosa also became the first Hispanic woman elected governor of Texas. In the U.S. Senate race, James Talarico defeated Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton 55.1% to 43%, becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate by Texans since 1988. Democrats also won a majority in the state House of Representatives after more than two decades of Republican control. The party also won races for lieutenant governor, attorney general and other statewide offices.
Miller noted that the new makeup of the legislature could change how independence bills are handled. He pointed to the election of the House speaker, scheduled for Jan. 12, 2027, which will influence committee assignments. In his view, rule changes in the state Senate could also matter.
The TNM leader also stressed that nine Republican lawmakers who signed the “Texas First Pledge,” a commitment to support a referendum, were likely re-elected. Until now, however, the movement has had much stronger support among conservatives and libertarians than among Democrats. Of the 32 candidates listed as signatories of the pledge, only two do not belong to the Republican Party, and none is a Democrat.
Editor: JŁ
