In a controversial election that has angered the state’s top officials, State Rep. Dustin Burrows (R) won the speakership. A coalition of Republicans and Democrats backed Speaker Burrows, a move Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu (D) is calling a win for bipartisanship and a rebuke of extremism.
In a statement, state Chair Wu commented that “thanks to a bipartisan coalition of Democrats and principled Republicans, the Texas House of Representatives will not be auctioned off to the highest bidder, handed over to Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, or surrendered to their billionaire donors who seek to dismantle our democratic foundations.”
Today, Texas House Democrats were successful in our efforts to stop Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, their billionaire donors, and the politicians they bought from selecting the Speaker of the House.
Our statement: pic.twitter.com/BMs9n4IkYE
— Texas House Democrats (@TexasHDC) January 14, 2025
Chair Wu emphasized that Speaker Burrows could not have won without the help of Democrats. Despite the support from progressives, Chair Wu expressed some optimism to the idea of working with the new speaker.
“While Speaker Burrows and our caucus may not see eye to eye on every policy issue, we stand united in rejecting the control of political extremists and protecting the integrity of the People’s House,” he commented, sharing priorities like funding public schools, expanding healthcare access, and addressing Texas’ infrastructure challenges.
Though Speaker Burrows won the speakership from state Rep. David Cook (R), who Republicans elected as the nominee, the new speaker will face significant challenges as he navigates a sharply divided House.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), who campaigned on a statewide tour against Speaker Burrows, noted the divide in the House with his statement. He called on the speaker to pass the conservative legislation that the Texas House's constituents want their elected officials to pass.
STATEMENT ON TODAY’S SPEAKER RACE: pic.twitter.com/ayTLxCDa5d
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) January 14, 2025
"Texas Republican voters made it clear they want conservative legislation to pass this session," Attorney General Paxton said, affirming that "it is now important that Speaker Burrows and his leadership team pass every conservative legislative priority in a timely manner to make our state more secure and more prosperous."
