Could A New Candidate Shake Up The Texas House Speaker Race?

The race for the next Speaker of the Texas House has brought out high drama, political maneuvering, and sharp divisions among lawmakers. Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report, describes the contest as one where “the worst version of colleagues” comes to light, with deceit and manipulation taking center stage in the pursuit of power.

This weekend’s events showed how messy things can get, with Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock claiming victory after releasing a list of 76 supporters, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. However, his announcement was quickly undermined by public statements from lawmakers refuting their inclusion on his list.

Burrow recently claimed that his list of supporters has grown to 80, but he refuses to release an updated version.

His declaration came just after Rep. David Cook, his main rival, secured the endorsement of the GOP Caucus in a contentious process that saw Burrows’ supporters walk out before the final vote.

The endorsement binds all 88 Republican members to support Cook. 

According to Braddock, Burrows’ campaign is orchestrated by former Speaker Dennis Bonnen, a controversial figure with a polarizing reputation. The Burrows strategy, marked by frantic activity and a premature declaration of victory, mirrors campaigns Bonnen has helped craft in the past. Yet, as Braddock notes, history is working against Burrows—Bonnen’s scandals have left lasting scars, particularly among Republicans wary of aligning with his tactics.

Meanwhile, Cook, the caucus-endorsed candidate, faces challenges of his own. Braddock says his strategy of catering to the Republican right flank has made him popular among grassroots conservatives but less so among moderates and Democrats.

The Democratic caucus, too, has been scrambling. Emergency meetings over the weekend revealed internal divisions, with leaders like Rep. Senfronia Thompson pushing back against any alliance with Burrows, citing his anti-local government stance. While some Democrats favor Burrows as a means to block Cook, the lack of a unified front weakens their negotiating position.

What Happens Next?

Neither candidate appears to have a clear path to the gavel. Cook’s 56 committed supporters fall short of the required 76, and Burrows’ list has credibility issues. Braddock suggests a third Republican candidate could emerge, potentially complicating the dynamics further.

The GOP infighting reflects broader tensions within the party, exacerbated by last session’s controversies, including the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton and the failure of Governor Greg Abbott’s priority school voucher legislation.