The latest criticism against Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) allege that an “Obama West Winger” is running the show.
According to a recent Texas House meeting, Texas Rep. Steve Toth (R) questioned Speaker Burrows over who authored the so-called “Democrat Empowerment Act of 2025.” Speaker Burrows confirmed that it was penned by Hugh Brady, an attorney who served as general counsel for the White House Office of Administration under President Barack Obama (D) from 2014 to 2017 as well as serving as parliamentarian for the Travis County Democrat Party.
BOMBSHELL! Obama West Winger, Hugh Brady still runs the Texas House. #txlege pic.twitter.com/2u5J7TJXic
— Steve Toth (@Toth_4_Texas) January 28, 2025
News of Brady's involvement has only increased tension among Texas House Republicans as they voice growing frustration with Speaker Burrows, accusing him of empowering Democrats and sidelining conservative priorities.
On social media, Texas Rep. Toth commented on the ordeal, reminding that Speaker Burrows’ ascent to the top post in the House was a result of a coalition of over 60 Democrats and 31 Republicans, warning that it’s a troubling power imbalance.
“So, here’s the 64-thousand-dollar question," Toth began in a video posted on X.
"Understanding that Hugh Brady – Obama west winger – is still calling balls and strikes in the Texas House. Understanding that Dustin Burrows got his speakership – the gavel – ultimately from 60 plus Democrats and 31 Republicans, so in other words, that coalition is two-thirds Democrat, one-third Republican. Who’s gonna control that deal? Well, obviously the Democrats are,” he expressed.
What should Conservative House Members focus on this Session?
A) Expose Republican Corruption
or
B) Try to pass Republican priorities pic.twitter.com/CEc5QZ2j7k— Steve Toth (@Toth_4_Texas) January 28, 2025
The Texas Republican cast doubt on the GOP’s ability to advance its legislative priorities under Burrows' leadership.
“Do we spend the next four and a half months fighting to expose the corruption that’s going on here, or do we try and pass the Republican priorities?” Texas Rep. Toth questioned. “And I think, honestly, if we have to ask the Democrats for permission to pass the priorities, it’s not gonna happen. And, yet, that’s the reality that we live in.”
He suggested that holding Burrows and his allies accountable may be the best course of action. “I think this is just gonna be a slugfest for the next four and a half months, and I think the best thing that we can do is just expose the corruption within our own party and hope to see these people primaried because that’s what they deserve. They deserve to be sent home for selling us out,” he warned.