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:

NAMEDistrictPARTYFiscal Index Lifetime RatingFiscal Index 2017 RatingLink
Phil King61RB-59%Phil King
Tan Parker63RB-57%Tan Parker
John Zerwas28RF44%John Zerwas
Eric Johnson100DF21%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.

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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