With five Republican colleagues thus far announcing their intention to challenge Speaker Dade Phelan for the position, a small group of members are still fundraising with him.
An invitation shows that Phelan will hold a fundraiser in Dallas on October 11. Joining him in that fundraiser are the following nine lawmakers:
Keith Bell
Angie Chen Button
Brooks Landgraf
Jeff Leach
John Lujan
Will Metcalf
Morgan Meyer
Matt Shaheen
Gary VanDeaver
Meanwhile, opposition to Phelan continues to grow. Republican State Reps. Tom Oliverson, Shelby Slawson, David Cook, James Frank, and John Smithee have filed to run against Phelan. They have promised to end the practice of placing Democrats as chairs of committees, a practice that Phelan has repeatedly defended. A majority of Republicans have pledged only to support a speaker who does not put Democrats in leadership.
In addition to the field of Republican candidates, Democrat State Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos has also filed for the position.
The official vote for speaker will take place on the first day of the legislative session, January 14, 2025. Incoming Republican members will select a candidate for speaker in the caucus in December. It is expected in the coming weeks that members will begin to rally behind a single opponent to Phelan ahead of the caucus vote.
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
