Three former Republican House speakers who spent much of their time in power battling conservatives are now lining up to help a Democrat take control of the chamber.
Democrat State Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston announced Tuesday that former Speakers Joe Straus, Dennis Bonnen, and Dade Phelan will serve on her transition team as she prepares to take the gavel in January.
The three Republicans, each of whom faced significant opposition from conservatives during their tenure, will join former Democrat Speakers Ben Barnes, Gib Lewis, and Pete Laney.
The announcement comes just one week after Democrats swept statewide offices and seized control of the Texas House, ending more than two decades of Republican rule.
And while some Republicans are refusing to support a Democrat speaker, three of the party’s former leaders are now helping one prepare to take power.
Perhaps the most recognizable name is Dade Phelan, who served as speaker from 2021 to 2025.
Phelan’s tenure was marked by repeated clashes with conservative members, culminating in the House’s 2023 impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The impeachment was supported by Democrats and a majority of House Republicans, though Paxton was ultimately acquitted by the Texas Senate.
Phelan subsequently faced calls to resign from conservative lawmakers and President Donald Trump.
Joe Straus, meanwhile, served as speaker from 2009 to 2019 after initially winning the position with the support of Democrats and a minority of Republicans.
His decade-long tenure was characterized by battles with conservative lawmakers over legislative priorities, with critics accusing him of using his position to obstruct Republican-backed legislation.
Dennis Bonnen succeeded Straus in 2019, but his speakership ended after just one term.
Now, all three are offering their assistance to Thompson as Democrats prepare to take control of the House.
“I am honored to help my friend Ms. Thompson as she prepares to provide the trusted leadership that the Texas House needs,” Straus said in a statement.
Bonnen praised Thompson’s leadership and experience, saying he was privileged to serve on her transition team.
Phelan, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to helping restore what he described as the House’s bipartisan traditions.
“The Texas House works best when its Members put people before party: when we come together, work together, and govern in a bipartisan way for the good of all Texans,” Phelan said.
“I look forward to working alongside her to restore those traditions and to make the 90th session one that Texans can be proud of.”
Thompson, who has served in the House since 1973, announced last week that she had secured pledges from a majority of lawmakers to become the next speaker.
Her coalition includes at least eight Republicans: Tom Craddick, Pat Curry, Drew Darby, Jay Dean, Charlie Geren, Todd Hunter, Ken King, and J.M. Lozano.
However, the Texas House Republican Caucus is scheduled to select its own speaker nominee on December 5.
The House will formally elect its next speaker when the 90th Legislative Session convenes January 12.
