AUSTIN, TX — State Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock declared that he had secured enough votes on Saturday, Dec. 7, to become the next speaker of the Texas House despite losing the GOP caucus vote.
Burrows made the announcement on Saturday evening, claiming to have 76 supporters—38 Republicans and 38 Democrats—though some members disputed his claim, saying they should not be listed as supporters. This came just minutes after Rep. David Cook of Mansfield was officially endorsed by the Republican caucus after a series of votes.
Cook, the GOP’s chosen candidate, won the endorsement by a 48-14 vote after Burrows' supporters left the caucus meeting after two rounds of voting failed to produce a winner.
Cook and Burrows, the two main candidates for Speaker of the Texas House, are now competing to secure enough votes to win in January. The speaker is chosen by one vote each of the 150-member body. Burrows claims to have the support he needs, including backing from both Republicans and Democrats, but it isn't clear if his strategy will work.
The Texas House has 150 members, with Republicans holding 88 seats. To become speaker, a candidate needs 76 votes, which means Burrows could win by getting support from some Democrats and a few Republicans, potentially avoiding the GOP’s choice of Cook.
Donald Trump Jr. took to X over the strategy, calling it “unbelievable." Responses to his post accuse the small group of Republicans of "selling out" the GOP in exchange for committee positions.
Dustin Burrow’s claim to victory was strengthened by the support of moderate Republicans, some of whom had been primaried during the March 2024 elections but survived. Many of these Republicans, including Rep. Drew Darby (TX-72) of San Angelo, survived the populist revolt that swept through the party, and now they are rallying behind Burrows. These moderates believe Burrows is a more “viable candidate” to lead the House than Cook, who represents the party's more conservative wing.
The GOP's right-wing, including many of Cook's supporters, argue that Burrows' coalition is a direct challenge to the party’s mandate from voters, especially those in line with President Donald Trump’s populist agenda. “This is a brazen attempt to circumvent the will of the voters,” said Republican-elect Mitch Little, a Cook supporter. “I don’t think the people of Texas are going to be very happy about it.”
The race for Speaker of the Texas House is still up in the air. Many of Rep. David Cook's supporters are standing strongly behind him and urging Rep. Dustin Burrows to drop out and support the party’s choice. Burrows is pushing hard for a bipartisan coalition to secure support from Republicans and Democrats.
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