The political drama intensified on Sunday evening when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and outgoing House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) exchanged a flurry of accusations just two days before the Texas House is set to elect a new speaker. The heated clash marks the latest salvo in a strained relationship between two prominent Republican leaders at odds over the future leadership of the Texas House.
The upcoming legislative session, which convenes Tuesday, will see the House’s first order of business being the selection of a new speaker. State Reps. David Cook (R-Mansfield) and Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) are vying for the position following Phelan’s decision in December to withdraw from seeking a third term.
Banking Allegations Ignite Tensions
Lt. Gov. Patrick, a vocal critic of Phelan and now Burrows, took to social media to highlight what he described as a concerning concentration of power among five legislators — including Phelan and Burrows — who he claims control key positions in the House. Patrick alleged these representatives share ties to Third Coast Bank, a financial institution founded in Humble, Texas.
“Five business partners control the operations of the Texas House,” Patrick wrote, naming Dennis Bonnen, Greg Bonnen, Dustin Burrows, Cody Harris, and Dade Phelan. He asserted that these ties influenced decision-making within the House, though he emphasized that no illegal conduct was involved.
Phelan Fires Back
Phelan quickly dismissed Patrick’s accusations as unfounded. "I do not own any part of Third Coast Bank," Phelan stated. He clarified that while he initially invested in the bank in 2009, he sold his shares after the bank went public and is now fully divested. He assured that his upcoming financial statement would confirm this.
Calling Patrick’s claims “disingenuous,” Phelan condemned the lieutenant governor for what he described as misleading attacks. In a sharp rebuke to anonymous criticism on social media, Phelan added humor to his defense, quipping about leasing concerns, “I do not own the building they occupy. But look them up if you need a place to deposit the 50 bucks you got paid to tweet this.”
Patrick Doubles Down
Despite Phelan's denial, Patrick continued to challenge his assertions. Twice he emphasized the legality of the bank ties but accused the group of wielding excessive influence over legislative processes and stifling dissent. He likened the group to a “non-criminal version of ‘Goodfellas’” and described the House leadership as a “closed shop” that punishes those who oppose them.
A Broader Political Battle
The clash underscores a deepening divide within Texas’ Republican majority, pitting the House against the Senate in an ongoing power struggle. Patrick’s comments come as part of a broader campaign to block Burrows’ bid for the speaker's gavel, illustrating the factionalism that has marked recent legislative sessions.
As the House prepares to vote on its next speaker, the stakes are high for determining not just the chamber's leadership but also the tone and direction of Texas governance in the coming session. Whether Sunday's public spat sways lawmakers remains to be seen, but it is clear the battle lines have been drawn.
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