Donald Trump Jr. has weighed in on the ongoing battle over the next speaker of the Texas House, slamming a small group of Republicans for seeking a “bipartisan” deal with Democrats instead of supporting the Republican caucus’ nominee, State Rep. David Cook (R–Mansfield).
On Saturday, House Republicans overwhelmingly voted for Cook as their nominee for speaker. However, State Rep. Dustin Burrows (R–Lubbock) has sought Democrat support in a last-minute bid to claim the gavel in January.
In a post on X, Trump Jr. decried the effort, accusing Burrows and his allies of betraying the party.
“It’s unbelievable what is happening in Texas right now,” wrote Trump. “There is a group of so-called Republicans cutting a deal with liberal Democrats to elect a speaker instead of uniting behind the Republican nominee, David Cook! Unbelievable! Republicans have a mandate!”
It’s unbelievable what is happening in Texas right now. There is a group of so-called Republicans cutting a deal with liberal Democrats to elect a speaker instead of uniting behind the Republican nominee, @DavidCookTexas! Unbelievable! Republicans have a mandate!
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 9, 2024
Trump Jr.’s intervention underscores the growing national attention on the Texas House speaker race, as grassroots conservatives call for unity behind Cook and push back against any coalition with Democrats.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also expressed his support for Cook, emphasizing the importance of following party processes.
Congratulations to @DavidCookTexas, who was selected as the @TXGOPCaucus nominee. Cook and his supporters did this the right way. His vote count continues to climb. @TexasGOP #txlege
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) December 8, 2024
Attorney General Ken Paxton added his voice to the debate, labeling Burrows as “Dade 2.0”–a scathing comparison to outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan, whose leadership has been a source of division among Republicans.
STATEMENT: Dade Phelan’s withdrawal from the Speaker’s race. #TxLege pic.twitter.com/a3nfKWtGQD
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) December 6, 2024
