A second Democrat is throwing their hat into the ring to be the next Speaker of the Texas House.

On Monday afternoon, Democrat State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (San Antonio) announced his candidacy to replace disgraced Speaker Dennis Bonnen (R–Angleton), who is leaving office in January.

“Texans are making history. We are on the verge of winning a Democratic majority for the first time in almost two decades. It is time to begin a new chapter in our state’s history by electing a Democratic House Speaker,” Fischer said in his announcement.

First elected to the Texas House in 2000, Fischer has served in the chamber for 18 years—with a two-year break in 2017-2018 from the chamber following an unsuccessful campaign for the Texas Senate. 

Fischer received a score of 21 on the Fiscal Responsibility Index last session, making him one of the most liberal members of the Texas House.

Fischer is the second member to announce their candidacy for Speaker of the House, after his fellow Democrat State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (Houston) filed for the position on Friday afternoon. Though Republicans currently control the chamber, some Democrats are beginning to position themselves in case they gain a majority of seats after the November election.

Though several Republican members are rumored to be eyeing the position, none have officially filed as of yet.

Members of the Texas House will cast their votes for the next Speaker of the House as one of the first orders of business when the Legislature reconvenes on January 12, 2021.

Brandon Waltens

Brandon serves as the Senior Editor for Texas Scorecard. After managing successful campaigns for top conservative legislators and serving as a Chief of Staff in the Texas Capitol, Brandon moved outside the dome in order to shine a spotlight on conservative victories and establishment corruption in Austin. @bwaltens

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