Texas House elects Rep. Dustin Burrows as speaker

   

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House of Representatives has voted Rep. Dustin Burrows to be the newest House speaker on Tuesday after two rounds of voting.

Rep. Burrows, R-Lubbock beat out Rep. David Cook of Mansfield with 85 votes to Rep. Cook’s 55. There were nine members present who did not vote.

Rep. Burrows received support from both sides of the aisle.

The election of speaker has concluded a months-long back and forth within the Texas Republican Party that began last year when former House Speaker Dade Phelan turned on Gov. Greg Abbott’s school voucher agenda.

Phelan won a primary election runoff in November, but ultimately backed out of pursuing another term as speaker.

Rep. Burrows released a statement on X saying he’s “ready to support every member as we collectively navigate the most pressing issues facing Texans today…” following his win.

The speaker holds immense power in Texas legislation as they decide which bills go to a vote in the House and maintains order during floor debate.

Attorney General Ken Paxton, who publicly endorsed Rep. David Cook, shared his thoughts following the election.

“The removal of the disgraced and corrupt Dade Phelan as Speaker of the House is a positive step for Texas. His close ally, Dustin Burrows, was elected with the support of most Democrats after he refused to honor the rules of the Republican Caucus,” said Paxton in a statement.