Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, was elected speaker of the Texas House on Tuesday, concluding a contentious and closely watched leadership race that underscored the ongoing divide within the Republican Party. The decision followed two rounds of voting, with Burrows ultimately securing 85 votes—49 from Democrats and 36 from Republicans—against challenger Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield.
In his acceptance speech, Burrows highlighted his vision for an independent and collaborative House, where lawmakers could engage in debate without fear of retaliation. “This is the people’s House,” he said during his swearing-in ceremony, joined by his wife Elisabeth and their three sons. “I commit to you today, every member will have a voice. Every district will have a seat at the table.”
While Burrows’ supporters lauded his call for unity, his reliance on Democratic votes drew sharp criticism from conservative Republicans and activists. Rep. Shelley Luther, R-Tom Bean, labeled the outcome a betrayal of Republican values, writing on social media, “The RINO (anti-MAGA) establishment laughed in the faces of our Republican grassroots. The fight starts today.”
The speaker’s race reflected deeper divisions within Texas politics, fueled in part by the influence of wealthy conservative donors like Tim Dunn and Ferris Wilks. Over the years, the two have contributed millions of dollars to campaigns and organizations advocating for a hardline conservative agenda. Their financial backing has been instrumental in supporting candidates who champion limited government, religious conservatism, and policies like banning Democratic lawmakers from chairing committees. Their efforts have amplified pressure on Republican lawmakers to align with their ideology, reshaping the dynamics within the Legislature.
Despite the criticism, some lawmakers stressed the need to move forward. Former Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, who switched his vote to Burrows in the second round, said, “I think Burrows will do a good job, as I think David would. It’s time to end the animosity.”
The fallout from Burrows’ election underscores the growing tension between the Republican Party’s establishment and insurgent factions. Hardline conservatives, emboldened by their success in ousting more than a dozen moderate Republicans during the last primary season, had seen this year’s speaker race as a chance to solidify their influence. Cook, their preferred candidate, had promised to prioritize conservative priorities like banning Democratic committee chairs and advancing school voucher legislation.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JULY 09: Lieutenant Governor of Texas Dan Patrick speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference CPAC held at the Hilton Anatole on July 09, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. CPAC began in 1974, and is a conference that brings together and hosts conservative organizations, activists, and world leaders in discussing current events and future political agendas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
However, Burrows’ election signals that the House’s power structure will remain relatively unchanged, with bipartisan cooperation likely to continue. This approach has already drawn skepticism from key Republican leaders, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who criticized Burrows’ reliance on Democratic votes. Patrick expressed hope that Burrows would support conservative legislative priorities, including school vouchers, property tax cuts, bail reform, and restrictions on teaching critical race theory in public institutions.
Burrows’ leadership will face immediate tests, beginning with the adoption of House rules later this week. Conservative activists have called for rules banning Democratic lawmakers from chairing committees, a longstanding bipartisan practice in the Texas House. While Burrows has refrained from taking a definitive stance on the issue, its outcome could have significant implications for his coalition, which relies on Democratic support.
The election also highlights the heightened stakes of legislative collaboration in Texas. The House speaker wields significant power, appointing committee chairs and managing the flow of legislation. As one of the “Big Three” leaders in Texas government alongside the governor and lieutenant governor, Burrows’ ability to navigate tensions between the chambers will likely determine the success of the legislative session.
Observers note that the Legislature faces a challenging agenda, with high-profile issues like school vouchers, property tax reform, and immigration policy dominating the docket. Burrows, a vocal supporter of school vouchers, has indicated that the political landscape may now favor their passage. “I believe the political winds have shifted, and the votes are there,” he told reporters last month, signaling his intent to support voucher legislation aligned with the House’s will.
Burrows’ election concludes one of the most contentious speaker races in recent history but sets the stage for further clashes within the Republican Party and between the House and Senate. As the session begins, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are watching closely to see how Burrows’ leadership will shape the future of the Texas Legislature.
