Renzo Downey | The Texas Tribune

Burrows claims the support of a coalition of Republicans and Democrats, while Cook has the endorsement of the GOP caucus.

Phelan, a Beaumont Republican, had previously insisted he had enough votes to thwart a challenge from the right led by state Rep. David Cook of Mansfield.

The two-term Republican caught many Capitol observers off guard when he emerged as the standard-bearer for a coalition that wants to depose Phelan and reshape how the House operates.

Phelan appears to lack support from the majority of House Republicans, but he could still win with some Democratic support.

Four GOP state representatives suspended their bids to challenge Phelan and 48 Republicans backed Cook, which could threaten Phelan’s shot at a third term.

Dutton just won a special election against Money to fill expelled Rep. Bryan Slaton’s unexpired term through the end of the year.

The House General Investigating Committee found that Slaton, a Republican from Royse City, engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a subordinate. The Texas Tribune previously reported on an allegation that he had sex with one of his staff, a woman under 21, and gave her alcohol.

The new details about the allegation stem from the complaint filed against Slaton to the House General Investigating Committee.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has embraced Senate Bill 8, which will get its first committee hearing Wednesday. But House Speaker Dade Phelan hasn’t made school choice legislation a priority.