Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) announced on Friday morning that he will not seek a third term as speaker, marking the end of a tumultuous tenure that saw significant legislative accomplishments and fierce political battles. Phelan’s decision comes ahead of the Texas House Republican Caucus vote scheduled for Saturday to endorse a candidate for speaker.
Speculation about Phelan’s plans reached a fever pitch on Thursday after state Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) declared his support for Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield), the candidate endorsed by the House Republican reform group. Although sources indicated that the timing of Ashby’s endorsement was coincidental, Phelan had reportedly decided by Wednesday evening to bow out of the race.
In a statement confirming his withdrawal, Phelan said, “Out of deep respect for this institution and its members, and after careful consideration and private consultation with colleagues, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the race for Speaker of the Texas House.”
Phelan emphasized his commitment to fostering unity among lawmakers, stating, “By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country — a place where honor, integrity, and the right of every member to vote their district takes utmost precedent.”
While stepping away from the speaker race, Phelan will continue to represent House District 21, a seat he narrowly retained in the May Republican primary runoff by just 366 votes.
A Legacy of Legislative Wins and Political Clashes
During his two terms as speaker, Phelan led the Texas House in passing significant conservative policies, including constitutional carry, one of the nation's strictest abortion bans, a ban on child gender modification, and other high-profile measures. However, his speakership was also marked by deep divisions, particularly with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, over property tax reform, education savings accounts, and the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Criticism of Phelan’s leadership extended to the chamber’s procedural rules and the influence of parliamentarians, fueling dissatisfaction among some Republicans.
New Contenders Emerge in Speaker Race
With Phelan’s exit, the race for speaker is heating up. Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock), chairman of the influential Calendars Committee, formally entered the race on Friday. Burrows brings a strong legislative record, including the passage of the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, known as the “Death Star Bill.” The legislation restricts local regulations exceeding state code in nine areas, earning praise from business leaders but drawing criticism from some Democrats.
Burrows also has a closer working relationship with Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott. He played a key role in negotiating property tax reform and supported education savings accounts, aligning him with key conservative priorities. However, his vote to impeach Paxton has drawn ire from the attorney general’s allies and some Republican hardliners.
Burrows joins Cook, who has been actively campaigning for the role and previously secured the GOP reform group’s endorsement. Meanwhile, Democrats in the House, led by Rep. Ana Maria Ramos (D-Dallas), criticized Burrows for his role in passing the Death Star Bill, with Ramos highlighting the legislation’s impact on local governance.
In a joint statement, Texas House Democrats remained noncommittal, stating, “Nothing has changed for Texas House Democrats as we look towards January and the next legislative session. For any speaker candidate interested in serving the House, the Democratic Caucus is available to listen and hear their plans to finally give Texans a legislative session that puts people over politics.”
Uncertain Path to Majority
The race for the speakership remains fluid, with Republicans holding 88 seats and Democrats 62. The next speaker will need at least 76 votes to secure the gavel. Phelan’s withdrawal injects new uncertainty into the contest, as the Republican Caucus prepares for its Saturday vote.
.jpg)
