AUSTIN, Texas — A recent attempt by the far-right faction of Texas Republicans to bolster their influence in the legislature did not succeed on Tuesday. House lawmakers rejected their candidate for the influential position of House Speaker amid an ongoing rift following the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Instead, Dustin Burrows emerged victorious, securing the position with the backing of Democratic lawmakers who preferred him over the candidate supported by more radical elements within the GOP. This outcome signifies a win for the establishment side of Texas Republicans, although it raises concerns that the Democrats might still face a reduction in their influence under Burrows’ leadership. Internal divisions within the Republican Party were heightened by party members expressing dissatisfaction with existing policies, arguing that stringent abortion and immigration laws should be made even stricter.
“He’s a leader who will at least have a conversation,” remarked Democratic state Representative Toni Rose during her nomination speech for Burrows.
Burrows faced competition from state Representative David Cook, who vowed to hinder Democratic participation in the House’s committee processes—an approach that has historically fostered bipartisan cooperation in the chamber, which typically offers a balance against the more extreme views prevalent in the Senate.
His ascension to this key role follows the notable exit of former Speaker Dade Phelan, who lost credibility with the far-right contingent of his party after the impeachment proceedings against Paxton. The Texas Senate ultimately acquitted Paxton, while he actively campaigned against Republicans who opposed Cook’s nomination in the weeks leading up to this decision.
Despite having little ideological separation from Cook, Burrows was viewed as a preferable option by certain Republicans concerned about perceived Democratic dominance in the House. The failure to approve taxpayer financial support for private schooling in 2023 further stoked tensions within the party as they prepared for the upcoming November elections, during which Republicans expanded their already substantial majority and improved their stance regarding issues at the U.S.-Mexican border.
In recent years, Texas has enacted some of the strictest regulations in the nation concerning abortion, immigration, and voting practices. This year alone, the Republican agenda includes proposals to prohibit public funding for gender-affirming health care for adults and to provide in-state tuition for students lacking legal status in the United States.
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This report has been revised to specify that while Burrows has gained the speakership, it is the Democrats who may still see a decline in their influence.