Safety Concerns And Political Drama Define Texas Speaker Race

Tensions in the Texas House speakership race have escalated, as Quorum Report revealed that at least one supporter of Chairman Dustin Burrows reportedly received a death threat.

In addition, Donald Trump Jr. slammed Republican state representatives who sided with Democrats in support of Rep. Dustin Burrows as Speaker of the Texas House.

“It’s unbelievable what is happening in Texas right now. There is a group of so-called Republicans cutting a deal with liberal Democrats to elect a speaker instead of uniting behind the Republican nominee, @DavidCookTexas! Unbelievable! Republicans have a mandate!” Trump Jr. wrote on X.

GOP rules dictate that all caucus members must vote for the party’s endorsed candidate for the Speaker position, but it appears that Burrows and his supporters intend to defy that mandate.

Texas lawmakers were immediately supportive and took to social media to back Trump Jr.

“Thank you, @DonaldJTrumpJr. liberal ‘Republican’ @Burrows4TX lost the Republican vote for Speaker so he cut a deal with Democrats to keep them in power in exchange for their support. There is nothing more swampy. This betrayal of Texas voters must be defeated,” State Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) posted on X.

Meanwhile, misinformation surfaced as text messages falsely claimed Governor Greg Abbott endorsed Burrows, a claim Abbott quickly denied.

Burrows addressed safety concerns in an email to colleagues obtained by Quorum Report, urging vigilance. “You may have heard that one of our supporters received a death threat, and another believes they were targeted in a phishing attempt while being recorded,” he wrote. “Please stay safe, and know how much I admire the resolve with which you are carrying yourselves in the midst of attack.”

Separately, Abilene GOP voters received texts from the American Opportunity PAC falsely suggesting Abbott’s endorsement of Burrows for his support of universal school vouchers.

Abbott disavowed the claim, stating on twitter: “To be clear, that text with my picture was issued without my authorization or even knowing about it.” The PAC has ties to groups advocating for school choice and Attorney General Ken Paxton. 

The race for Texas House Speaker has seen political maneuvering and sharp divisions. Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock claimed 76 supporters, but some lawmakers refuted their inclusion. Meanwhile, Rep. David Cook secured the GOP Caucus endorsement, binding all 88 Republican members to support him, though Burrows’ backers walked out before the vote.

Neither candidate has a clear path to the gavel, with Cook’s 56 committed supporters short of the required 76 and Burrows’ list facing credibility issues. Observers suggest a third Republican candidate could emerge, further complicating the race.