Leadership of Speaker Dustin Burrows marks a new chapter in Texas House history

AUSTIN, Texas — House Speaker Dustin Burrows was elected speaker with the support of Democrats, who favored him over Mansfield Rep. David Cook.

“Make sure that our speaker is selected by the caucus, is selected by Republicans. And so that’s what we expect of each other. So I was disappointed in that,” said North Texas Rep. Andy Hopper.

Cook won the GOP House Caucus nomination, but Burrows continued his campaign for the chair. His success is a failure for farther right members of the party, who are now threating political retribution.

“We will see how our next primaries are going to be,” said Texas Republican Chair Abraham George.

Many supporters of Cook blame Burrows’ predecessor and ally Beaumont Rep. Dade Phelan for the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton and failure to pass a private school voucher bill.

Under Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s leadership, the Senate acquitted Paxton and passed multiple versions of a school voucher plan.

“Patrick understands if he is going to get his legislation passed, he needs to work with the House of Representatives. He has to play the hand that he’s dealt,” said St. Edward University professor of political sciences Brian Smith.

Without Cook leading the House, Patrick is perceived to have less control over the lower chamber’s actions. Patrick said in a statement, “The voters will hold our new speaker accountable to keep his promise of being the most conservative speaker in Texas history.”

The House Democratic Caucus is taking credit for Burrows’ win. Houston-area Rep. Gene Wu, the chair, says they protected the integrity of the People’s House.

“I feel like there’s a glimmer of hope that Texas can move forward, and we can actually take care of business,” Wu said. 

Burrows expressed confidence in the House’s ability to govern.

“Our strength lies not in conformity, but in how we harmonize these diverse perspectives into service for this great state,” he said. 

Many of Patrick’s priorities are shared with Burrows, including school vouchers and decreasing property taxes.

“There’s certainly going to be friction, but because they’re both Republicans, there’s going to be a lot more that they agree on,” said Smith. 

Republicans in Burrows’ corner are confident in a more positive relationship between the two chambers.

“Policy is what brings us together. And I think that’s what’s going to happen this session,” said Frisco Rep. Jared Patterson.

Next week, the House will debate chamber rules, which will include who chairs committees. Lt. Gov. Patrick is vocally against minority party chairs, but Speaker Burrows signaled a willingness to work across the aisle.