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CV NEWS FEED // Texas is embroiled in a heated battle for the Speaker of the State House as factions within the Republican Party clash over the selection process.
According to the Texas Scorecard, U.S. Rep. Keith Self (TX-3) and four Texas congressmen have urged state Republicans to back the GOP caucus nominee, Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield), and reject Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock), who seeks Democrat support to secure the position.
Cook was endorsed as the Republican Caucus nominee after a meeting Burrows’ supporters walked out on following multiple stalemated votes. Cook secured the nomination by a vote of 48-14, but Burrows declared his intention to continue his campaign, claiming to have support from 38 Republicans and 38 Democrats. However, several members listed as Burrows supporters have since withdrawn, casting doubt on his coalition.
The Texas Tribune reported that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick both weighed in, emphasizing that the speaker must be chosen by a majority of Republican House members, in accordance with caucus rules. In a social media post, Abbott signaled support for Cook, and Patrick warned that any attempt by a Republican candidate to collaborate with Democrats to win the gavel would not be accepted by voters.
Burrows’ strategy of courting Democrat support has drawn significant backlash from conservatives. Critics argue it perpetuates past failures to advance conservative priorities due to Democrat-led committee leadership.
Self and his congressional colleagues wrote, “There is no justification for any Republican Texas House Member to work with Democrats to elect a Speaker who will appoint Democrats to chair committee positions.”
Tensions escalated after 80 GOP county chairs, led by Tarrant County GOP’s, called Burrows’ actions an “unacceptable betrayal” and demanded public support for Cook. Donald Trump Jr. also voiced his disapproval, accusing Burrows’ faction of undermining the Republican mandate by negotiating with Democrats.
The ongoing dispute has far-reaching implications. If Burrows were to succeed, he would need to form a coalition of at least 76 members in the 150-member House. However, his efforts have been hindered by defections and the growing alignment of Republican leaders behind Cook. The Texas House speaker is set to be chosen on Jan. 14, 2025.
