The path for Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan to retain his leadership position has taken another significant hit, as yet another former ally has endorsed his opponent, State Rep. David Cook.
In a statement, State Rep. Trent Ashby announced his support for Cook ahead of Saturday’s House Republican Caucus meeting, praising Cook’s ability to work collaboratively with other statewide leaders to achieve conservative goals.
“David Cook has earned my vote for Speaker of the Texas House. I have been steadfast in my commitment to supporting the candidate who earns the support of the Texas House Republican Caucus,” Ashby stated. “I believe David will unite the Caucus by empowering members to work collaboratively with our House colleagues, Lt. Governor Patrick, the Texas Senate, and Governor Abbott to deliver the conservative results that the overwhelming majority of Texans expect and demand.”
Ashby’s endorsement follows one from State Rep. David Spiller, another former ally of Phelan, earlier this week.
These endorsements bring Cook’s total public commitments to 48, giving him a majority within the 88-member Republican caucus. With three-fifths support required to secure the Republican nomination, Cook now appears significantly closer to victory than Phelan.
The final vote for speaker will take place on January 14, the opening day of the legislative session.
