Texas Speaker Shift: A GOP Wake-Up Call

A push by Texas' hard right to expand control in the state Capitol fell short on Tuesday when House lawmakers rejected their choice for the powerful speakership. This came amid a Republican feud that intensified after the historic impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Instead, Dustin Burrows secured the position with support from Democrats, who preferred him over a challenger backed by the GOP's more aggressive right wing.

This outcome is a win for the establishment faction of Texas Republicans, but it’s possible that Democrats could still lose influence under Burrows' leadership. The speaker race has deepened divisions within the GOP, especially among those who argue that the current agenda—including some of the toughest laws in the U.S. on abortion and immigration—doesn't go far enough.

“He’s a leader who will at least have a conversation,” said Democratic state Rep. Toni Rose during her nomination speech for Burrows.

Burrows faced off against state Rep. David Cook, who pledged to block Democrats from running committees in the House—a move that would break with a longstanding bipartisan tradition in a chamber that has generally maintained a moderate balance compared to the hard-right-leaning Senate.

Burrows steps into this significant role following the dramatic exit of former House Speaker Dade Phelan, who lost favor with the hard-right faction after Paxton's impeachment.

 The state Senate ultimately acquitted Paxton, who has recently campaigned against Republicans trying to undermine Cook’s candidacy.

While Burrows and Cook share similar ideological views, Cook became the choice of some Republicans who feel that Democrats have too much control over the House. The failure to approve taxpayer funds for private schools in 2023 also intensified Republican disputes leading up to November’s elections, where Republicans expanded their already commanding majority and gained ground on issues related to the U.S.-Mexico border.

In recent years, Texas has passed some of the nation’s toughest restrictions on abortion, immigration, and voting. This year, Republicans have proposed bans on public funds for gender-affirming care for adults and measures to provide in-state college tuition for students without legal status in the U.S.

This election marks a crucial moment for Texas politics, revealing ongoing tensions and differing visions within the Republican Party about its future direction.