Hard Hitting Conservative Commentary by Gary M. Polland
Volume XXV Number 3 – May 18, 2026
GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!
Early Voting for the Republican Primary Runoff Election Starts Today
TCR urges Republicans to get out to vote today in the Republican Runoff Election. Early voting begins today and continues through Friday, May 22. Election Day is Tuesday, May 26. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on all days. For a list of locations, please visit https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers/Locations2.
When you vote, please vote for these conservative candidates:
U.S. Senate: John Cornyn
Texas needs experienced, effective leadership in the U.S. Senate to advance America First priorities. John Cornyn has delivered results for our state through strong national security, judicial appointments, and economic policies that fuel Texas jobs and growth. Polling clearly shows challenger Ken Paxton as the weaker of the two candidates in a general election, leaving this vital Senate seat dangerously vulnerable to pick up by Democrat James Talarico. If Ken Paxton should be the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, the Democrats will have a full arsenal of ammunition to deploy against the morally compromised Paxton. The first dates back to 2015 when Paxton was indicted on two first-degree felony counts of securities fraud and one third-degree felony count of failing to register with state securities regulators. Paxton ultimately made a deal that allowed him to pay restitution to his alleged victims to avoid prosecution. Later, Paxton was accused of Bribery and Abuse of Office for which he had to defend himself in an impeachment trial, where he was found not guilty.
Most recently and especially troubling is Paxton’s sweetheart deal for an admitted child molester who has a relationship with a major Paxton donor. The initial felony charge, continuous sexual abuse of a child, was reduced to two misdemeanors. A slap on the wrist for this type of abuse of a child that began when the child was only six years is disgusting and unforgivable. Finally, TCR also remains firmly opposed to Paxton based on his well-documented marital infidelity—if his own wife cannot trust him, why should Texas voters? Cornyn offers the steady conservative hand needed to protect Texas values without risking the seat.
Texas Railroad Commissioner: Jim Wright
Jim Wright, a fifth-generation Texas rancher and proven conservative, stands as a steadfast guardian of our all-important energy industry. As Railroad Commissioner, he has promoted fair, consistent regulation that encourages innovation, responsible development, and job creation while protecting our land, water, and natural resources. Wright deeply understands that Texas energy powers America, supports good-paying jobs across the state, and maintains our economic strength against radical green agendas coming from Washington and liberal activists. His practical, solution-oriented leadership and unwavering commitment to commonsense policies have proven invaluable. Re-elect Jim Wright to keep Texas the undisputed energy capital of the world and ensure our economy continues to thrive for generations.
Texas Attorney General: Mayes Middleton
In the May 26 Republican runoff for Texas Attorney General, conservatives have a clear choice between proven legislative fighter Mayes Middleton and another Washington insider. We proudly endorse Mayes Middleton.
State Senator Mayes Middleton is a proven conservative with a strong record of fighting for border security, taxpayer protection, election integrity, and defending families from woke ideology. As a 7th-generation Texan, businessman, and legislator, “MAGA Mayes” will bring the same America First fight to the Attorney General’s office, rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse while standing tall against federal overreach.
A successful businessman with extensive executive experience, he is well-equipped to lead the Attorney General’s Office.
Harris County Judge: Orlando Sanchez
In the May 26 Republican runoff for Harris County Judge, conservatives must choose a proven leader with real executive experience. We strongly endorse Orlando Sanchez.
A former Harris County Treasurer and Houston City Council member, Sanchez has a solid conservative track record of fiscal responsibility, transparency awards, and fighting tax increases. He is committed to lowering property taxes, cracking down on crime, securing our communities, and addressing flooding threats that plague our families. As a successful businessman and veteran, Sanchez understands how to manage a massive budget and deliver results without the liberal failures that have plagued Harris County.
While his opponent offers rhetoric, Sanchez brings proven experience, integrity, and the independence needed to turn Harris County red again and put taxpayers first.
U.S. Congress, District 38: Shelly DeZevallos
A native Texan, successful businesswoman, commercial pilot, and president of West Houston Airport, deZevallos brings real-world experience and unwavering conservative principles. She has a proven grassroots record as former Vice Chair of the Harris County Republican Party, advancing border security, pro-life values, religious liberty, and economic freedom. Appointed to key roles under President Trump and Governor Abbott, she will fight federal overreach, secure our southern border, cut wasteful spending, and protect Texas jobs and families.
State Representative, District 126: Stan Stanart
A longtime conservative activist, former Harris County Clerk and Chief Election Official, and dedicated community leader, Stanart has spent years protecting election security, supporting law enforcement, and defending conservative values. He will fight to lower property taxes, secure our elections, back the blue, improve education outcomes for our families, and prevent flooding in northwest Harris County. As a strong supporter of parental rights and school choice, Stanart will stand firm against Austin liberals and federal overreach.
While his opponent offers insider connections, Stan Stanart brings real executive experience, unwavering principles, and grassroots conservative support from groups like Texas Values Action, Texas Home School Coalition, and Conservative Republicans of Texas.
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 3: Todd Frankfort
A native Houstonian with over 30 years in private practice, Frankfort is the only candidate Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has handled hundreds of cases at both trial and appellate levels, taught as an adjunct professor of law, and earned repeated Super Lawyer recognition. Frankfort will bring experienced, conservative judgment to the bench — strictly interpreting the law, protecting public safety, and defending Texas values against judicial activism.
While his opponent lacks comparable credentials, Todd Frankfort offers proven legal expertise, strong law enforcement support, and the ability to win in November.
Harris County Republican Party Chair: Cindy Siegel
Since taking over as Chair in 2020, Siegel turned a broke and broken party into a winning machine. Under her leadership, Harris County Republicans secured nine countywide victories in 2024 — the strongest showing in over a decade. A former Bellaire Mayor, CPA, business owner, and longtime grassroots activist, Siegel brings executive experience, fiscal discipline, and a relentless focus on fundraising, election integrity, and turning out the conservative base.
While her opponent offers criticism, Cindy Siegel has the proven record of uniting Republicans, growing the party, and delivering wins in deep-blue Harris County. Texas Conservatives: Vote early or on May 26 and send these principled leaders forward. Our state’s future depends on it.
Thoughts This Fortnight
HAVE OUR PARTIES LOST THEIR MINDS?
We are in an era for insurgent candidates with radical views. Especially for the Democrats. What that party is forgetting is, to win in November you need to make your brand saleable in non-blue parts of the U.S. Likewise, for Republicans, we need to be saleable to the non-red parts of the U.S. and attract independents.
For example, in the Texas Senate Race – Ken Paxton carries a lot of baggage. It appears some conservatives are ignoring it. You can be sure that in November, the Democrats will pound it daily. That is why John Cornyn is the choice. TCR agrees with John Cornyn on about 80% of the issues. With James Talarico we agree on about 5%. John Cornyn is more electable in November. The remaining question is: How many more mini scandals are out there on Ken Paxton? Do you want to take that chance?
WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT
OUR FISCAL TRAIN WRECK COMING AT US?
The recently released “Financial Report of the U.S. Treasury for fiscal year 2025” makes it clear – the U.S. government reports assets of $6 Trillion and liabilities of $48 Trillion, so we have a negative net worth of $42 Trillion.
Our reported annual national debt is closing on $40 Trillion! The largest federal expense is now interest in the debt ($1 Trillion per year). The bad news is that the federal spending rises significantly yearly, regardless of who is in charge.
Interestingly, the old Gramm-Rudman law of spending controls, would have resulted in a balanced budget a long time ago. Maybe we need to bring it back.
DEMOCRATS OPPOSED TO THE EXTENSION OF
THE TRUMP TAX CUT MEANS THEY SUPPORT
TAX INCREASES ON ALMOST ALL AMERICANS
This gets worse. The Democrats if allowed back into power, want to massively increase taxes by raising the marginal rates, not seen since the 1970’s for capital gains and the mid 1980’s for income tax.
They also want a millionaire surtax of 5% plus, applying to wages and capital gains. If enacted, will affect more taxpayers yearly as they oppose indexing rates for inflation. The Democrats want to make the Social Security tax apply to income over $250,000. They also want to raise the top brackets from 35.37% to 41.43%.
Some Democrats promise tax cuts to benefit the lower income citizens, however, look back at history as they hardly ever deliver.
Locally you have some big spending on city councils and county commissioners who demand higher property taxes and fees, yet don’t address controlling spending. If affordability is important then higher taxes and fees don’t help.
THREATS TO TEXAS PER THE
TEXAS PUBLIC POLICY FOUNDATION
In its efforts to keep Texas from becoming “the next California is paved with bad laws and loose elections” mean we need to stop the attack on Texas, TPPL takes it on:
- THREAT #1: “ATTACKS ON TEXANS’ MONEY, PROPERTY, AND JOBS
The road to becoming the next California is paved with higher property taxes.
The government-including bloated school bureaucracies-then funnels much of your money to pay for unneeded exorbitant projects. This includes
- Red tape,
- Croney contractors,
- Slick lobbyists, and
- Inflated salaries.
This is why your property taxes are going up. This is why government spending is increasing faster than the population and inflation. You are paying for California-style government handouts.”
- “THREAT #2: ATTACKS ON TEXANS’ CHILDREN, VALUES, AND WAY OF LIFE
The road to becoming another California is also paved with government-funded cultural rot and toxic anti-freedom indoctrination.”
- “THREAT #3: ATTACKS ON THE 2026 ELECTIONS
Possibly the darkest threat is voter fraud and election “irregularities”. In Texas and across the nation, the future is held hostage by the Left’s continued attempts to exploit holes in our election processes.
Depending on what happens in “swing districts” for the U.S. Senate, the conservative reforms of the Trump administration would screech to an abrupt halt. This would greatly harm Texans.”
FACTS REGARDING IRAN BACKED HEZBOLLAH
- Hezbollah opened hostilities against Israel on October 8, 2023 – less than 24 hours after Hamas carried out one of the deadliest massacres in history of terrorist attacks on Israel.
- Hezbollah chose to sustain a continuous war of attrition against Israel’s north – before any Israelis ground operation in Gaza. The result: hundreds of Israelis displaced, entire communities evacuated, a region effectively emptied. This campaign was backed, financed, and directed by Iran.
- Only after taking significant blows on the battlefield did Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire.
- Inside Lebanon, large parts of the political system – and the public – placed responsibility on Hezbollah. Calls to disarm the group (a commitment made by Lebanon back in 2000, entrenched in a U.N. security council decision) from the citizens.
- When the current conflict with Iran began, Hezbollah attacked Israel again and broke the ceasefire – much to the dismay of the Lebanese leaders and its people. Israel responded with a counterattack, also issuing evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon as the area became an active war zone, and expanding operations against Hezbollah positions.
All of this flattened into a single accusation, a falsehood: Israel as aggressor.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
May 18-22, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.: Primary Runoff Election Early Voting https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers/Locations2
May 18, 7 p.m.: Kingwood Tea Party meeting with Orlando Sanchez. Los Cucos, 23730 Highway 59 North
May 19, 6-8 p.m. : Cherry Tree Republicans, Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant, 19831 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77065
May 25: Memorial Day
May 26, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.: Primary Runoff Election Day
May 26, 7-8:30 p.m., Alicia’s Mexican Restaurant, 26326 Northwest Fwy, Cypress 77429
May 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Village Republicans 65th Anniversary Celebration, Houston Racquet Club, 10709 Memorial Drive, Houston
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ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS OR FEEDBACK?
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ABOUT YOUR EDITOR
Gary Polland is a long-time conservative and Republican spokesman, fund-raiser, and leader who served three terms as the Harris County Republican Chairman. During his three terms, Gary was described as “the most successful county Chairman in America” by Human Events – The National Conservative Weekly. He is in his twenty-eighth year of editing a newsletter dealing with key conservative and Republican issues. For the last twenty-three years, he has edited the Texas Conservative Review. As a public service for the previous 20 years, Gary has published election guides for the GOP primary, general elections, and city elections, all to assist conservative candidates. Gary also for 20 years cohosted Red, White and Blue on Houston Public Media TV 8 PBS Houston, longest running political talk show in Texas history and for the last four-plus years Gary has been a regular commentator on Fox 26-Houston’s “What’s Your Point” airing Sunday’s at 7 a.m. Gary serves on the Board of Directors of American Values, a national pro-family, pro-faith, conservative organization supporting the unity of the American people around the vision of our founding fathers and dedicated to reminding the public of the conservative principles fundamental to the survival of our nation. Gary is a practicing attorney and strategic consultant. He can be reached at (713) 621-6335.
