AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House of Representatives has voted Rep. Dustin Burrows to be the newest House speaker on Tuesday after two rounds of voting.
Rep. Burrows, R-Lubbock, beat out Rep. David Cook of Mansfield with 85 votes to Cook’s 55. There were nine members present who did not vote.
Rep. Burrows received support from both sides of the aisle.
The outcome is a victory for Texas Republicans' establishment wing, and it’s possible that Democrats could still lose influence under the new leadership. The race deepened divisions within the GOP, partly driven by Republicans who say an agenda that includes some of the toughest laws in the U.S. over abortion and immigration doesn't go far enough.
“He’s a leader who will at least have a conversation," Democratic state Rep. Toni Rose said in a nomination speech for Burrows.
Burrows' opponent pledged to block Democrats from running committees in the House — a longstanding bipartisan tradition in a chamber that has historically been a more moderate balance to the hard-right-leaning Senate.
The election of speaker has concluded a months-long back-and-forth within the Texas Republican Party that began last year when former House Speaker Dade Phelan turned on Gov. Greg Abbott’s school voucher agenda.
The House’s failure to approve taxpayer funds for private schools in 2023 also intensified Republican squabbles in the run-up to November’s elections, when Republicans expanded their already commanding majority and gained ground on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Texas in recent years has passed some of the nation’s toughest restrictions on abortion, immigration and voting. Republicans this year have proposed bans on public funds for gender-transition care for adults and giving in-state college tuition for students without legal status in the U.S.
Phelan—who lost favor with the hard-right faction of his party after the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton—won a primary election runoff in November but ultimately backed out of pursuing another term as speaker.
Rep. Burrows released a statement on X saying he's "ready to support every member as we collectively navigate the most pressing issues facing Texans today..." following his win.
The duty bestowed upon me today as Speaker of the Texas House is one of immense responsibility and honor, and I thank each of my colleagues for their trust and vote of confidence. As Speaker, I stand ready to support every member as we collectively navigate the most pressing…
— Dustin Burrows (@Burrows4TX) January 14, 2025
The speaker holds immense power in Texas legislation as they decide which bills go to a vote in the House and maintains order during floor debate.
#BREAKING @Burrows4TX is the new Speaker of the House in an 85-55 vote. 9 members didn’t vote. pic.twitter.com/bnnGZOrRUF
— Erin Davis (@erindavisnews) January 14, 2025
Paxton, who publicly endorsed Rep. David Cook, shared his thoughts following the election.
"The removal of the disgraced and corrupt Dade Phelan as Speaker of the House is a positive step for Texas. His close ally, Dustin Burrows, was elected with the support of most Democrats after he refused to honor the rules of the Republican Caucus," said Paxton in a statement.
STATEMENT ON TODAY’S SPEAKER RACE: pic.twitter.com/ayTLxCDa5d
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) January 14, 2025