Embattled House Speaker Dade Phelan has announced today he will not seek re-election to the position. This follows a tumultuous election cycle and vocal criticism from both House colleagues and Texas voters, who accused him of empowering Democrat members at the expense of advancing conservative legislation.
Phelan’s path to retaining the speakership narrowed significantly this week as more of his former allies endorsed State Rep. David Cook (Mansfield) for the position. Cook has thus far garnered support from a majority of the Republican caucus. The caucus is set to meet on Saturday to nominate a candidate for Speaker, with the winner needing at least three-fifths support from members.
“Out of deep respect for this institution and its members, and after careful consideration and private consultation with colleagues, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the race for Speaker of the Texas House,” said Phelan in a statement Friday morning. “By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country — a place where honor, integrity, and the right of every member to vote their district takes utmost precedent.”
He continued, “I am profoundly grateful to those who have supported me throughout my speakership—principled conservatives who have shown steadfast resolve and courage in the face of immense intimidation from outsiders wishing to influence our chamber and its processes. Though the battle for my speakership is over, the war for the integrity of this chamber wages on — and we will win.”
Phelan also confirmed he will continue serving as a member during the upcoming legislative session.
Earlier this year, Phelan narrowly avoided losing his own House seat after being forced into a runoff election. His opponent, David Covey, was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who labeled any Republican supporting Phelan “a fool.”
First elected Speaker in 2021, Phelan’s two terms were marked by Gov. Greg Abbott calling multiple special sessions due to the House’s failure to address key priorities, including school choice. He also presided over the failed impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was later exonerated in the Senate.
With Phelan stepping aside, establishment forces are attempting a last-minute push to place another candidate in the race. Republican State Rep. Dustin Burrows (Lubbock) has filed for the position and, according to reports, spent Thursday night meeting with House Democrats in an effort to secure their support and form a coalition of Democrats and Republicans ahead of the January vote. Burrows has served as the Calendars Committee chairman under Phelan.
In a statement, Attorney General Ken Paxton called Burrows “Dade 2.0.”
“Phelan’s legacy is one of betrayal: prioritizing Democrat interests over his own caucus, leaving Republican members exposed, attempting a shameful impeachment stunt and consistently failing to deliver for the voters who sent him to Austin. His so-called “leadership’ disqualified him long before this moment. But make no mistake, the swamp isn’t drained yet. Now, the Austin establishment is rallying behind Dustin Burrows — a politician handpicked by Phelan and the Austin Establishment to continue their reign of weak leadership and backroom deals,” said Paxton.
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