AUSTIN, Texas -- The tape involving Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen is out. So now what?

Speaker Bonnen, R-Angleton, has been quick to dismiss he did anything illegal during a June meeting with a conservative activist.

The activist, Michael Quinn Sullivan of Empower Texans, released the recording yesterday and it confirmed Bonnen tried to make a deal: in exchange for targeting several sitting Republicans in the 2020 primary elections, Bonnen would offer Sullivan media credentials to the news arm of his organization.

RELATED: Texas House to investigate Speaker Dennis Bonnen

“I don’t need anything,” Sullivan can be heard saying on the recording.

“Well, no you do. We can make this work. I’ll put your guys on the floor next session,” Bonnen said.

The tape is at the center of an ongoing state police investigation into whether Bonnen improperly offered those media credentials. Whether his actions were illegal is still unclear.

But as that investigation continues, Bonnen's most immediate concern may be political. While Republicans have remained relatively silent, Democrats have been quick to criticize.

RELATED: Texas House Speaker Apologizes to House Members for saying "Terrible Things"

“There’s a great deal of consternation about whether he can continue to lead,” said Rep. Chris Turner, D-Dallas and chair of the House Democratic Caucus. “My viewpoint, as I suggested yesterday, is I don’t think he can lead and serve as Speaker in the next legislative session.”

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Rep. Turner.