Podcast Summary: WarRoom Battleground EP 954 – Ridding Texas Of The RINOS
Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Guests: Steve Stern, Wendy Sue Yockey, Kim Weber
Date: February 24, 2026
Main Theme:
A deep-dive into Texas grassroots politics, specifically the fight in Montgomery County to resist Republican establishment ("RINOs") influence and defend MAGA-aligned precinct strategy, with a focus on corruption, establishment backlash, and citizen mobilization through local GOP structures.
Episode Purpose & Main Theme
This episode centers on the ongoing battle within the Texas Republican Party between establishment Republicans (frequently labeled “RINOs”—Republicans In Name Only) and grassroots MAGA activists. Bannon and guests illustrate Texas as a critical battleground, where local engagement, precinct-level activism, and public censure of establishment figures are shaping the future of both state and national politics.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Sharia Law, Immigration, & Texas Exceptionalism
- Discussion on perceived threats: Bannon and others discuss alleged threats from "Islamic Jihadis" and “Sharia compounds” in Texas ([00:08–00:44]), framing Texas as both under assault and as the "crown jewel" of the republic.
“They are not coming. They are already here.” (Stephen K. Bannon, 00:33)
- Texas is described as unique and central to the nation’s fate:
“As Texas goes, so goes the nation. As the nation goes, so goes the world.” (Unidentified speaker, 01:07 & 31:18)
The Precinct Strategy: Grassroots vs. Establishment
- Bannon introduces the “precinct strategy” as a method to bring political power to the people and drive MAGA policy from within the GOP.
- Steve Stern describes his tireless efforts to expand the precinct strategy nationwide, citing only 200,000 of 400,000 possible committee slots filled.
“If a candidate has 500 volunteers rather than 100, it’s going to be a lot easier.” (Steve Stern, 13:48)
- Obstacles include GOP establishment resistance, lack of transparency, and difficulty contacting local party officials ([11:08–13:48]).
- Stern urges action, sharing new resources and a call for young people and other marginalized groups (Turning Point, Moms for America, Blexit) to join the strategy.
“We need the head of the Republican Party in each state to be a MAGA guy. We don’t have that yet. So that’s why we got to get involved.” (Steve Stern, 13:48)
Texas Example: Montgomery County Chaos
Political Landscape
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Wendy Sue Yockey describes Montgomery County as “the reddest county in the United States… very, very organized,” but with “an entrenched establishment” ([17:53, 18:52]).
“We don’t have as much engagement as you would think… they don’t necessarily pay attention as much as they should.” (Wendy Sue Yockey, 18:52)
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Kim Weber explains no Democrat can win openly, so “Democrats run as Republicans just to get elected… but they vote like Democrats.” ([19:50])
“They say all the right things, but if they win and they get in office, they vote like Democrats.” (Kim Weber, 19:50)
Specific Betrayals & Grassroots Censure
- Kim recounts how local Republican representatives Cecil Bell and Will Metcalf sided with Democrats to elect a “RINO Speaker,” betraying their caucus and grassroots promises ([22:30–24:23]).
“Cecil Bell lied. Now, Will Metcalf, he stated all along that he was going to vote for Dustin Burroughs and that’s why John Boucher got in this race—betrayed his constituents.” (Kim Weber, 24:23)
- Grassroots activists organized to pressure their reps, but were physically locked out of the people’s gallery on vote day ([22:30–24:57]).
Rule 44 Censure Campaign
- Yockey describes how grassroots won new power (Rule 44) to censure officials violating party principles ([35:47–37:24]).
“The state Republican executive committee can strip the... official of the name Republican... if they betray the Republican voters.” (Wendy Sue Yockey, 36:56)
- Yockey and Weber detail organizing packed meetings to censure Speaker Burrows, Metcalf, and Bell—met with lawyers, media consultants, and aggression from the establishment.
"That meeting was packed... These guys were panicked about this, were they not?" (Bannon, 37:24)
"Yes, they were... When we stand up, it stiffens the spines of others... they do not want to have their name associated with the word censured." (Wendy Sue Yockey, 38:10)
RINOs, Dark Money, and Casino Cash
- Kim Weber and Yockey allege major fundraising from casino interests (Sands Corp, Mariam Adelson), trial lawyers, and PACs are being funneled into their local races to oust MAGA-aligned precinct chairs ([40:39–46:39]).
“The Sands Corporation... want to bring casino gambling to Texas and they are funneling a lot of money... set up these PACs... going against the conservative precinct chairs because we chose to hold our representatives accountable.” (Kim Weber, 40:39–43:10)
- Descriptions of the onslaught: targeted mailers, text-bombing, and reputational attacks, including examples of $8 million spent in a single state Senate primary ([46:39–47:03]).
“They will completely own our politicians… I literally get five mailers in one day against me and for my opponent in a precinct chair race.” (Wendy Sue Yockey, 45:14)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Precinct Strategy’s Importance
“The precinct strategy has been so successful that it’s come under an onslaught... the Republican establishment is out there to destroy us.” (Stephen K. Bannon, 10:34)
On Political Prisoners
“Tina Peters, at 70 years old, is in a state prison... because she represents us. She’s symbolic of this fight of the grassroots against the established order. Tina Peters is a hero who would never back down.” (Bannon, 07:22)
On Establishment Retaliation
“We spend our time, energy, and money to… promote the Republican part[y] brand… If y’all are not going to... promote Republican policies, then we’re not going to use our resources to protect and defend y’all in the primary.” (Wendy Sue Yockey, 38:10)
On the Grassroots Battle
“They’re not interested in defeating you. They’re interested in destroying you… If you stand up... we’re going to not just win the races back, but we’re going to destroy your reputation. We’re going to crush you.” (Bannon, 47:03)
On the Core Grassroots Demand
“We are fighting for transparency and accountability. What we want is an ethical government. That’s what we’re fighting for. And we don’t have that.” (Kim Weber, 40:05)
Important Segment Timestamps
- Sharia Law & Texas Under Threat: 00:08–01:07
- Intro to the Texas Battleground/Proposition 10: 01:20–04:56
- Precinct Strategy Origins & Steve Stern’s Advocacy: 05:56–13:48
- National Scope & Call to Action: 13:48–15:27
- Montgomery County GOP Context: 17:53–19:18
- Local Betrayals & Gallery Lockout: 22:30–24:57
- Grassroots Censure Campaign Explained: 35:47–38:10
- Dark Money & Casino Influence: 40:39–47:03
- Closing—Direct Action & Social Media Plugs: 49:37–50:14
Key Resources & Action Items
- Get Involved: precinctprojectusa.org (Steve Stern’s new site to connect with local activists)
- Contact for More Info: esthern1054@gmail.com (Steve Stern)
- Facebook: Wendy Sue Yockey / Wendy Yockey
- Twitter/X: yockywendy
- Local Group: MCTX, GOP Precinct 97 (Kim Weber)
Tone & Takeaway
The episode is urgent, combative, and celebratory of grassroots activism, with a clear anti-establishment, pro-Trump/MAGA perspective. The hosts frame the struggle as existential—for Texas, the GOP, and America. Listeners are encouraged to take direct action, join precinct-level fights, and hold their representatives accountable.
Summary Takeaway:
The war for Texas’s GOP is being increasingly fought not just in legislative chambers, but at the most local levels—precinct by precinct—with real-world consequences for political power, party direction, and the Trump-aligned grassroots. The episode calls for committed, organized citizen involvement to resist elite and establishment capture of the party infrastructure—painting Montgomery County as both an inspiration and a warning for national activists.
