AUSTIN, Texas — Democratic Congressman John Bryant is the latest lawmaker to declare his candidacy to become the next speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
“While we know the lieutenant governor will be in charge of the Senate, Speaker Dade Phelan’s position as Speaker of the Texas House is by no means guaranteed,” said Rice University political science professor Mark Jones.
Mr. Bryant did not respond to requests for comment, but he is not the only Democrat hoping to unseat Mr. Phelan.
Rep. Ana Maria Ramos is running for chair to “defend the rights and freedoms of all Texans.” She was not available for an interview, but said in a statement to Capital Tonight: There is no way for Republicans to win the Speaker’s chair unless they defeat us Democrats. ”
“I think what you’re seeing, quite simply, is a dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for something different on both sides of the aisle,” said Congressman Tom Oliverson. Ta.
Oliverson was the first in a long list of Republicans to express a desire to lead Congress. The current list of candidates includes two Democrats and two Republicans, including Mr. Phelan and Representative David Cook.
“December. On the 7th, the Republican caucus meets with 88 people and caucuses to choose the caucus candidates,” Oliverson said.
Oliverson, who chairs the caucus, believes Cook will receive the 60% of votes needed for the caucus nomination.
Republican efforts to oust Mr. Phelan began after the school aid bill failed in the House. That was the same Congress that voted to impeach Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Mr. Phelan was also criticized for appointing the Democratic Party chairman, which Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick posted on Thursday.
“Just like Dade lets Democrats run the House, we know how to let them run the Senate without ceding power to the other side,” Patrick said.
Texas Republican Party Chairman Abraham George echoed Patrick’s sentiments, saying at a news conference Thursday that the party does not endorse a particular candidate but opposes the Democratic chairman.
“We are looking forward to real reform in the Texas House of Representatives, and we hope it happens, because if not, the next primary will be just as bloody, or even bloodier, than the last.” Because it will happen,” George said.
Other members expect the caucus vote to be decided.
“I anticipate that we’ll probably be there for a while. There may be questions and discussions, but I think it’s good and healthy to be able to do that,” said Rep. Shelby Slauson. Ta.
Even if Phelan doesn’t win the caucus nomination, he can still run from the floor.
