Texas House elects new Speaker in blow to far-right wing
The Texas House on Tuesday elected state Rep. Dustin Burrows (R) to lead the chamber in a blow to the rising far-right wing of the party, defeating a candidate supported by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) and other top state figures.
The Texas Republican caucus had nominated state Rep. David Cook (R) for the role, but lawmakers voted 85-55 for Burrows, an ally of outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan (R).
"The duty bestowed upon me today as Speaker of the Texas House is one of immense responsibility and honor, and I thank each of my colleagues for their trust and vote of confidence," Burrows said in a statement posted to the social platform X.
"While the majority will guide our course, the House’s strength lies in its diversity, and my leadership will be dedicated to ensuring every voice is heard and every district represented this session."
Both candidates had at points ahead of the vote claimed they had the support they needed to clinch the seat, but Burrows won Tuesday after enlisting the support of Democrats, which is likely to fuel criticism from pro-Cook Republicans as the next legislative session kicks off.
The fight for the Texas Speakership shone a new spotlight on long-standing friction between the party establishment and those who aim to push it further to the right. And it comes after state executive officials — including Paxton, who faced an impeachment trial last year — have worked to purge the Texas House of fellow Republicans who have defied them.
Phelan survived a bruising primary challenge in 2024 from a candidate backed by Paxton and other top Republicans, but dropped his bid to hold on to the Speaker's gavel last month amid the simmering tensions.
Paxton last month threatened primary challenges for Republican incumbents who went against the party’s Speaker nomination. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) and Donald Trump Jr. had also voiced support.