With disgraced House Speaker Joe Straus not returning to the dais or the legislature, among the first votes cast by the Texas House in January 2019 will be for a new leader of the state’s lower chamber.
Three Republicans and one Democrat have declared their intentions to run. They are:
| NAME | District | PARTY | Fiscal Index Lifetime Rating | Fiscal Index 2017 Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil King | 61 | R | B- | 59% | Phil King |
| Tan Parker | 63 | R | B- | 57% | Tan Parker |
| John Zerwas | 28 | R | F | 44% | John Zerwas |
| Eric Johnson | 100 | D | F | 21% | Eric Johnson |
Meanwhile, persistent rumors in Austin indicate State Rep. Drew Darby (R- San Angelo) is trying to put together a coalition of Democrats and establishment Republicans to support a run.
At the 2018 Texas GOP Convention, Empower Texans is hosting a straw poll regarding which declared Republican candidate should be the next speaker. Anyone can participate by texting “strawpoll” to 313131. The results will be announced Saturday, June 16.
