The Democratic side of the aisle, which included 36 Republicans and 49 Democrats, helped Dustin Burrows win. The question of whether Democrats can continue to serve as committee chairs will be the next battleground.
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With a new speaker in the Texas House, many are wondering what it will mean for Democratic committee chairs.
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Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) was elected speaker Tuesday in an 85-55 vote over Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield).
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Burrows received 49 votes from Democrats.
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With a new speaker in the Texas House, many are wondering what it will mean for Democratic committee chairs.
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Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) was elected speaker Tuesday in an 85-55 vote over Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield).
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Burrows received 49 votes from Democrats.
Austin, TexasDuring Tuesday’s opening session, Lubbock Republican Representative Dustin Burrows was awarded the Texas House Speaker’s gavel.
Some Republican leaders were incensed by his victory. They wanted the gavel to go to Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield).
Next steps:
The Democratic side of the aisle, which had 36 Republicans and 49 Democrats in the vote, helped Burrows win.
The question of whether Democrats can continue to serve as committee chairs will be the next battleground.
On January 14, 2025, Texas House Speaker Rep. Dustin Burrows takes the oath of office.
The House is in an unusual position where some Democrats, who are in the minority, are in charge of committees.
Next week, members will discuss House rules.
Some Republicans believe Burrows will continue to give Democrats some committee chairs, despite calls to end the practice of granting Democrats control.
What they’re saying:
Some Republicans believe the Democratic chairs are about to disappear.
Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) stated, “I believe that for the first time in Texas history, neither the Senate nor the House will have Democratic chairs this session.”
Some believe that the Democrats will continue to have a say.
“I think that time is coming to an end, but the minority party still has to have a voice and how that voice reflects and represents we will see this session,” Rep. Mano DeAyala, R-Houston
Democrats in North Texas believe Borrows will continue to give them a voice.
“I think [Burrows] is open and willing to let every member have an opportunity to get things done for their districts,” according to Toni Rose, a Democrat from Dallas.
Some people think they’ll keep a few chairs.
“That’s a real possibility, I feel strongly about it,” stated Representative Rhetta Bowers, a Democrat from Garland. “Just receiving an appointment myself today, I look forward to what the days will bring.”
The opposing viewpoint:
On Wednesday, the rules will be discussed on the floor.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of the Senate says he is open to working with the House but will only approve legislation that he views as conservative.
The Origin:This article’s information is based on interviews with FOX 4.
