For months before the November election, we knew we would likely see a close battle between Republicans for control of the Texas House of Representatives when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
Current House Speaker Dade Phelan has been criticized by many Republicans, including some of the most powerful people in the state, over his intention to appoint a Democrat as committee chair and his handling of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s sudden impeachment last year. was under intense pressure. .
Weeks before the gavel fell, Phelan announced he would not seek a return as speaker, but his decision started the race for speaker much sooner than most expected.
Two strongmen quickly emerged. One is Republican Dustin Burroughs, who claims he has enough support from both House Republicans and some Democrats to win the gavel. The other candidate, Republican David Cook from Mansfield, is backed by the Republican caucus.
James Barragan, who covers state politics for the Texas Tribune, said Cook is new to Congress but has a long history in politics.
“He’s served two terms and is about to enter his third term. But he’s not a foreigner to Texas politics. He started his career in the nation’s capital nearly 30 years ago, where he served primarily as a North Texas elected official. He worked for the late Sen. Chris Harris, who became his political mentor,” Barragan said. “He also served as mayor of Mansfield for over 10 years, so he knows Texas politics.
But it was a surprise when he announced he was running for chair, as he was seen as an ally of former chair Dade Phelan. He had been given important committee appointments. He had been given priority legislation under Phelan. So it was a little surprising that Mr. Cook came out and challenged him for the speaker’s gavel. ”
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Mr. Barragan said Mr. Cook’s politics are fairly moderate in many ways, but his supporters argue that politics do not make him the right candidate for the job.
“It’s about how he treats us as members of the Texas House of Representatives and how he lets the process flow. He has clearly promised not to appoint a Democratic chairman. We agree to prioritize Republican legislative priorities, and we want to improve workflow on the floor,” Barragan said.
“Of course, everyone who runs for speaker says that all the time, including several speakers from last time. Well, sometimes that’s easier said than done, but that’s what he’s said so far. It’s a promise.”
Barragan said he sees this election ultimately being determined by how people feel about how Congress is being run, rather than friendships or alliances among members.
“In politics, they say if you want a friend, get a dog,” he says. “I don’t know if it’s a friendship thing, I mean, that’s part of it, but part of it is also what’s going to be most convenient for each of our 150 members.
There will obviously be a lot of pressure from voters. There is also significant pressure from the grassroots of the Republican Party, which is pushing for new reform candidates who are not aligned with House Speaker Phelan. There are many far-right Republicans who don’t want someone like Dustin Burrows who aligns with Phelan. ”
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Mr. Cook has many right-wing supporters within the Republican Party, but he also boasts fairly broad support.
“Right now he has the support of the majority of the Republican caucus. He has the support of the caucus. So he has the support of a lot of Republicans,” Barragan said. “The question is, can he get the remaining Republicans to support him, or can he form some kind of coalition with Democrats to get to that magic number of 76?”
