A group of Texas congressmen, led by U.S. Rep. Keith Self (TX-3), are calling for the Texas House Republicans to support the Republican nominee for speaker of the House, instead of selecting a speaker who will appoint Democrats to committee chairs.
Although State Rep. David Cook (R–Mansfield) has been chosen as the nominee, State Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) continues to court Democrat support in his run for the speaker position, even after losing the nomination.
A Democrat lawmaker has recently confirmed that Burrows would continue the tradition of “bipartisanship” in the Texas House. State Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin) further celebrated the practice of placing Democrats in leadership positions.
“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 in exchange for political support,” wrote Self and four other Texas congressmen.
For several years, crucial conservative priorities and legislation have been blocked by Democrat Chairmen-including the critical Resolutions Calendar Committee, which determines which resolutions are considered on the Floor.
“We will not allow this to happen in the U.S. House, and you should not allow this to happen in the Texas House,” the letter continued.
The bylaws of the House Republican Caucus stipulate that members must support the caucus nominee, Cook, on the floor of the House.
The other members of Congress who signed the letter alongside Self are U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (TX-38), U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27), U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX-23), and U.S. Rep.-elect Brandon Gill (TX-26).
“We urge you to stand with the Texas House Republican Majority and support the Texas House Republican Caucus nominee for Speaker,” concludes the letter.
The Texas House speaker will be chosen on January 14, 2025, which is the first day of the legislative session.
