House Speaker

The biggest thing to watch on day one of Texas’ 89th Legislative Session? Who the Texas House of Representatives choose to be the next House speaker.

As the Texas Legislature prepares to return in January, the battle between two Republicans for the powerful role of House speaker is underscoring divisions within the party.

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

The party is in the minority, but it’s the leader's job to make sure their voices are heard across the aisle.

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.

Rodríguez Ramos of Richardson faces an uphill battle, as Democrats are the minority party with 64 seats in the 150-member Texas House.

The Texas House speaker race is becoming increasingly crowded. Phelan, who is under fire from his right, says he plans to seek the leadership position again.

Oliverson, one of Phelan’s committee chairmen, said the speaker has lost the confidence of the Republican caucus.

Abbott has so far been silent as Phelan battles for political survival in a tough primary runoff.

After Rep. Jim Jordan ended his unsuccessful bid, a new field of candidates has flooded the race. Most of them are now backing a pledge aimed at ensuring a House floor vote ends in an elected speaker.