Young Republicans of Texas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | YRT |
| Chairperson | Isaac Laster |
| Founded | September 2023 |
| Ideology | Republican |
| Website | |
| https://yrtx.gop | |
TheYoung Republicans of Texas (YRT) is a political youth group based in Texas. It serves as the official youth auxiliary club of theRepublican Party of Texas (RPT).[1] Founded in 2023, the organization was formed following a split from the state's previous youth wing, the Texas Young Republican Federation (TYRF). This separation led to a lawsuit over trademark dispute, which was ultimately resolved by a state appellate court in 2024.
Prior to late 2023, the Republican Party of Texas was affiliated with the Texas Young Republican Federation. After a disagreement between leadership, a group separated away to form the Young Republicans of Texas. In September 2023, the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) voted to recognize the Young Republicans of Texas as the organization's official youth affiliate. The formation was publicly acknowledged by state officials, including Attorney GeneralKen Paxton.[2]
Shortly after YRT's formation, the TYRF filed a lawsuit inDallas County allegingtrademark infringement, arguing that the defendants used the "Young Republicans" name without authorization.[3] A district court initially granted atemporary restraining order (TRO) against YRT.
The defendants sought dismissal under the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA), the state's anti-SLAPP statute protecting free speech. In August 2024, theFifth Court of Appeals of Texas reversed the lower court's decision and dismissed the claims, citing the failure of plaintiffs to meet the necessary burden of proof.[4]
The organization has distinguished itself through policy stances on federal immigration and labor issues. In August 2025, YRT announced it would withhold endorsements from national candidates who supported theH-1B visa program.[5] Later in November, the group publicly urgedthe presidential administration to end theOptional Practice Training (OPT) program, arguing that the program was negatively affecting young American workers.[6]
In October 2025,Politico reported that several leaders within theYoung Republican National Federation (YRNF) had sharedracist andhomophobic messages in a private group chat.[7] This situation was later dubbed the "Young Republican group chat leak". While the YRNF issued a public statement condemning the messages, the Young Republicans of Texas declined to issue a similar condemnation when asked onX.[8][9]Spectrum News analyzed differing responses as part of a broader shift in political messaging by youth organizations.[10]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)