In a surprising turn of events, Texas Rep. Dustin Burrows secures the Speaker of the House position with majority support from Democrats, exposing deep rifts within the Republican Party.
At a Glance
- Rep. Dustin Burrows elected as Texas Speaker of the House with more Democrat than Republican votes
- Burrows defeated Rep. David Cook in a runoff vote of 85 to 55
- Conservative Republicans criticize the election, calling for censure and primary challenges
- The election highlights ongoing internal conflicts within the Texas GOP
- Concerns arise over potential impact on conservative legislative agenda
A Divided House: Burrows’ Controversial Victory
The Texas House of Representatives has elected Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) as the new Speaker for the 89th Legislative Session, but the victory comes with a twist that has sent shockwaves through the state’s Republican Party. Burrows secured the position with more support from Democrats than from his own party, receiving votes from 49 Democrats and only 36 Republicans.
The final tally showed Burrows defeating state Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield) in a runoff vote of 85 to 55. This outcome has exposed deep divisions within the Texas GOP, as party rules had required all 88 Republicans to support Cook. The election result indicates the presence of a moderate Republican faction willing to collaborate with Democrats, much to the dismay of the party’s conservative wing.
The election of Burrows with significant Democratic backing has sparked a fierce backlash from conservative Republicans. Some are calling for censure and primary challenges against Burrows and his supporters, viewing the outcome as a betrayal of party principles. The Texas GOP even aired ads against Burrows, urging him to support Cook instead.
“Any lawmaker conspiring with Democrats to undermine our party is unacceptable. The @TexasGOP will always work to defend the Republican brand and integrity of our party. This ad is only the beginning,” the Texas GOP stated.
This internal conflict has spilled over onto social media, with prominent figures like Donald Trump Jr. joining the calls for censure. The dispute has reached such intensity that Rep. Cody Harris filed a complaint against state GOP Chairman Abraham George, accusing him of ethics violations related to the speaker election.
So…..basically, you’re free to vote for Dustin Burrows, instead of one of the Democratic candidates for Speaker. https://t.co/FMeqkZJAXm
— Bonnie Bruce (@BonnieBruce) December 7, 2024
Despite the controversy surrounding his election, Burrows has emphasized his commitment to representing all districts in the Texas House. In his acceptance speech, he declared, “Every member will have a voice. Every district will have a seat at the table.” This inclusive approach may signal a shift towards more bipartisan collaboration in the legislative body.
Burrows is known for his controversial “Death Star” bill, a super preemption law limiting local government regulation of businesses. While this has drawn criticism from labor groups and municipal leaders, it also highlights his potential to push through significant legislation. As the new speaker takes the gavel, all eyes will be on how he navigates the complex political landscape and balances the interests of his diverse support base.
