Former Gov. Rick Perry Joins Dade Phelan’s Team

Former Gov. Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history, will join House Speaker Dade Phelan as his senior adviser.

Phelan announced Thursday morning in a news release that Perry will join him as senior adviser in a volunteer capacity, noting the former Governor was also a state representative, agriculture commissioner, and even served as the 14th U.S. secretary of energy during Trump’s administration. According to the Texas Tribune, Perry joined Phelan’s team on Thursday and will serve until the start of the next legislative session in January.

“Governor Perry’s legacy of service to Texas is unparalleled, and I am honored to have him join our team as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session,” Phelan wrote in the statement. “From his time as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Agriculture Commissioner, and State Representative, he understands every facet of the legislative process, and that will be a tremendous asset as we work to strengthen our state’s economy, improve education, and ensure every member’s voice is heard in the Texas House this session.”

The announcement comes just as Rep. David Cook from Mansfield said he will challenge Phelan for the House leadership. Previously, Reps. Tom Oliverson and Shelby Slawson also announced their intention to become the next House Speaker. All challengers have expressed that Phelan is not conservative enough and that he has allied with the Democratic party to appoint some Democrats as committee chairs.

In addition, Phelan has been the target number one of the far-right Republicans, especially Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton. This week, Patrick and Paxton came up with new terms to attack Phelan.

Patrick, in a tweet, referred to Phelan as a “RINORAD”,  Republican in Name Only, Really A Democrat, accusing him of taking the credit for conservative victories and supporting Paxton’s impeachment. Paxton, on the other hand, said that the numbers of “DWD (Done with Dade) House members,” were growing larger each day.

With the help of Perry, it is possible that Phelan could repair relationships with Gov. Greg Abbott and at least temper the waters with Patrick and Paxton.

Perry said he was honored to join Phelan’s team.

“The Texas House is not only where I began my career in public service, it’s a bedrock of balanced governance in our state—giving every voice, from the most rural to the most urban, a chance to be heard,” Perry said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the Speaker, his team, and all House members to strengthen the institution and build on its proud legacy of leadership, innovation, and conservative results. Together, we will keep Texas on the path of success for future generations.”