Led by Governor Greg Abbott, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, momentum is building for 'closed' primaries in the state of Texas.
Something that former state representative and former Chairman of the Texas Republican Party, Matt Rinaldi says is long overdue.
"I think the shift has come because they see the inevitable happening, and they don't want a judge ordering them to close the primaries" Rinaldi said, "I think they want to be in control of how the process works."
It is also welcome news, after years of Republican resistance. At least by some.
"I think it's very welcome, it's a huge policy shift from their previous position where leadership had been cold towards closed primaries, and had not been supportive in the past" Rinaldi told KTRH, "But it's something we've been pushing for for years."
But will the change of heart be enough to get it through?
"I think the real obstacle is the Texas House, however Dustin Burrows has come out in favor of closed primaries, so I'll think he'll push that through" noted Rinaldi, who expects the legislation to pass.
The 90th Texas Legislative Session will start on January 12th.
