GOP Divide Over House Speakership Intensifies
In a dramatic turn of events within the Texas House of Representatives, a showdown over the next Speaker has laid bare deep divisions within the Republican Party. Rep. Dustin Burrows, a close ally of outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan, broke ranks with the GOP caucus after failing to secure the Republican nomination. In an unprecedented move, Burrows aligned himself with Democrats, undermining the party’s choice of Rep. David Cook and igniting outrage among grassroots conservatives.
The Battle for Speaker of the House
On Saturday, the Texas House Republican Caucus met to select its nominee for Speaker, a critical position that sets the legislative agenda and controls committee appointments. The race came down to two contenders: Rep. David Cook, a staunch reformer who had publicly pledged to appoint only Republicans as committee chairs, and Rep. Dustin Burrows, a last-minute entrant who offered no commitments to conservative reforms.
Cook emerged victorious after three rounds of voting, with the final tally standing at 48-14 after 26 members loyal to Burrows walked out. This defection sparked a firestorm, as Burrows and his allies immediately began courting Democratic support in a bid to form a coalition that could challenge Cook on the House floor in January.
A Betrayal of Party Principles
The actions of Burrows and the defectors have drawn sharp condemnation from Republican grassroots activists and party leaders. The Republican Party of Texas (RPT) has long advocated for reforms to ensure Republican control over legislative priorities in a state where Democrats have often wielded disproportionate influence. In 2022, 81% of Republican primary voters supported a resolution requiring that only Republicans serve as committee chairs. Cook’s candidacy embodied this grassroots demand for reform, while Burrows’ maneuvering represents a continuation of the status quo.
The RPT Executive Committee issued a strong resolution following the caucus meeting, calling for unity behind Cook and warning that any member voting against the caucus nominee or supporting a secret ballot for Speaker would face censure. Such a censure could prevent them from running for reelection as Republicans.
The Dustin Burrows Record
Burrows’ record has long been a source of contention among conservatives. As Chairman of the powerful Calendars Committee under Speaker Phelan, Burrows held significant sway over which bills reached the House floor. Critics argue that this power was wielded to suppress conservative priorities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Burrows championed legislation that expanded the ability of local governments and businesses to enforce mask and vaccine mandates, a move that alienated many Republican voters. He also played a key role in blocking a bill that would have protected minors from irreversible gender-transition procedures, though a similar measure passed in a subsequent session.
More recently, Burrows was one of 61 Republicans who joined Democrats in voting to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton, an act that further fueled skepticism about his conservative credentials. Burrows’ low rankings on conservative scorecards—73rd out of 86 Republicans in the Rice University rankings and a failing 48% grade from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility—underscore his tenuous relationship with the party’s grassroots base.
Grassroots Outrage and Calls to Action
The grassroots backlash to Burrows’ actions has been swift and fierce. Conservative activists argue that Burrows’ alliance with Democrats undermines the integrity of the Republican platform and disregards the will of GOP voters. They have mobilized to pressure representatives to support Cook on the House floor when the legislature convenes on January 14, 2025.
In an email to supporters, Rep. Andy Hopper detailed the events of the caucus meeting and urged constituents to hold their representatives accountable. Hopper emphasized that the caucus rules and the RPT platform explicitly require Republicans to unify behind the caucus nominee, particularly when that nominee is committed to advancing a conservative agenda.
A Pivotal Moment for Texas Republicans
The battle over the Speaker of the House has become a litmus test for the Republican Party’s commitment to conservative principles in Texas. Historically, Democrats have been granted significant influence in the state legislature, including committee chairmanships, despite their minority status. Cook’s victory in the caucus reflects a growing determination among Republicans to end this practice and ensure that legislative leadership reflects the will of the majority.
However, Burrows’ defection threatens to derail these efforts. By seeking Democratic support, he risks fracturing the party and empowering the opposition. The stakes are high: if Burrows and his coalition succeed, it could signal a return to the bipartisan power-sharing arrangements that have long frustrated conservatives.
Conclusion
The January 14 session will be a defining moment for the Texas House of Representatives and the Republican Party. Will Republicans rally behind their caucus nominee and seize the opportunity to implement meaningful reforms, or will divisions within the party allow Democrats to dictate the agenda once again?
As grassroots conservatives mobilize to demand accountability, all eyes will be on the Capitol. For Rep. Burrows and his supporters, the path forward may come with significant political consequences. For the Republican Party, this is a battle for its soul.
Here is the complete list of key representatives in the Texas House Speaker race, categorized by their positions on reform:
(List provided by Grassroots America. https://grassrootspriorities.com/phelan.php)
| Daniel Alders State Representative for Texas House District 6 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @DanielAldersTX X: @danielalderstx |
| Trent Ashby State Representative for Texas House District 9 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0508 Email: trent.ashby@house.texas.gov Facebook: @RepTrentAshby X: @TrentAshbyTX |
| Jeffrey Barry State Representative for Texas House District 29 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @votejeffbarry X: @JeffBarryforTX |
| Cecil Bell State Representative for Texas House District 3 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0650 Email: Cecil.Bell@house.texas.gov Facebook: @CecilBellJunior X: @CBellJr |
| Keith Bell State Representative for Texas House District 4 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0458 Email: keith.bell@house.texas.gov Facebook: @StateRepKeithBell |
| Greg Bonnen State Representative for Texas House District 24 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0729 Email: greg.bonnen@house.texas.gov Facebook: @DrGregBonnen X: @DrGregBonnen |
| Brad Buckley State Representative for Texas House District 54 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0684 Email: brad.buckley@house.texas.gov Facebook: @bradbuckleyfortexas X: @BradBuckleyDVM |
| Ben Bumgarner State Representative for Texas House District 63 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0688 Email: ben.bumgarner@house.texas.gov Facebook: @BenBumgarnerforTexasRepHD63 X: @Bumgarner4HD63 |
| Dustin Burrows State Representative for Texas House District 83 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0542 Email: dustin.burrows@house.texas.gov Facebook: @Burrows4TX X: @Burrows4TX |
| Angie Button State Representative for Texas House District 112 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0486 Email: angie.button@house.texas.gov Facebook: @ACBforTexas X: @AngieChenButton |
| Briscoe Cain State Representative for Texas House District 128 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0733 Email: briscoe.cain@house.texas.gov Facebook: @BriscoeCain X: @BriscoeCain |
| Gio Capriglione State Representative for Texas House District 98 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0690 Email: giovanni.capriglione@house.texas.gov Facebook: @VoteGiovanni X: @VoteGiovanni |
| David Cook State Representative for Texas House District 96 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0374 Email: david.cook@house.texas.gov Facebook: @davidcookfortexas X: @DavidCookTexas |
| Tom Craddick State Representative for Texas House District 82 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0500 Email: tom.craddick@house.texas.gov |
| Charles Cunningham State Representative for Texas House District 127 Unconfirmed Phone: 512-463-0520 Email: charles.cunningham@house.texas.gov Facebook: @CharlesCunninghamTX X: @CharlesTX127 |
| Pat Curry State Representative for Texas House District 56 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @people/Pat-Curry-Republican-for-Texas-House/61551098733770/ |
| Drew Darby State Representative for Texas House District 72 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0331 Email: drew.darby@house.texas.gov Facebook: @DrewDarbyforTexas X: @DrewDarbyTX |
| Jay Dean State Representative for Texas House District 7 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0750 Email: jay.dean@house.texas.gov Facebook: @jaydeanfortexas |
| Mano DeAyala State Representative for Texas House District 133 Unconfirmed Phone: 512-463-0514 Email: mano.deayala@house.texas.gov Facebook: @manoforstaterep X: @ManoForStateRep |
| Mark Dorazio State Representative for Texas House District 122 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0646 Email: mark.dorazio@house.texas.gov Facebook: @DorazioforTexas X: @DorazioforTexas |
| Paul Dyson State Representative for Texas House District 14 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @PaulDysonTX X: @PaulDysonTX |
| Caroline Fairly State Representative for Texas House District 87 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @fairlyfortexas X: @FairlyForTexas |
| James Frank State Representative for Texas House District 69 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0534 Email: james.frank@house.texas.gov Facebook: @repjamesfrank X: @RepJamesFrank |
| Gary Gates State Representative for Texas House District 28 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0657 Email: gary.gates@house.texas.gov Facebook: @gatesfortexas X: @GatesforTexas |
| Stan Gerdes State Representative for Texas House District 17 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0682 Email: stan.gerdes@house.texas.gov Facebook: @stangerdesfortexashouse X: @StanGerdesforTX |
| Charlie Geren State Representative for Texas House District 99 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0610 Email: charlie.geren@house.texas.gov Facebook: @repcharliegeren X: @charliegeren |
| Ryan Guillen State Representative for Texas House District 31 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0416 Email: ryan.guillen@house.texas.gov Facebook: @representative.guillen X: @RyanGuillen |
| Sam Harless State Representative for Texas House District 126 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0496 Email: sam.harless@house.texas.gov Facebook: @samharless126 X: @SamHarless126 |
| Cody Harris State Representative for Texas House District 8 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0730 Email: cody.harris@house.texas.gov Facebook: @CodyforTexas X: @CodyforTexas |
| Caroline Harris Davila State Representative for Texas House District 52 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0670 Email: caroline.harris@house.texas.gov Facebook: @CarolineHarrisForTexas X: @CarolineForTX |
| Brian Harrison State Representative for Texas House District 10 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0516 Email: brian.harrison@house.texas.gov Facebook: @votebrianharrison X: @brianeharrison |
| Richard Hayes State Representative for Texas House District 57 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0556 Email: richard.hayes@house.texas.gov |
| Cole Hefner State Representative for Texas House District 5 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0271 Email: cole.hefner@house.texas.gov Facebook: @votecolehefner X: @ColeHefnerTX |
| Hillary Hickland State Representative for Texas House District 55 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @Hickland4TX X: @HicklandHillary |
| Janis Holt State Representative for Texas House District 18 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @Holt4Texas X: @JanisHolt59 |
| Andy Hopper State Representative for Texas House District 64 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @hopperfortexas X: @AndyHopperTX |
| Lacey Hull State Representative for Texas House District 138 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0727 Email: lacey.hull@house.texas.gov Facebook: @LaceyHullForTexas X: @LaceyHullTX |
| Todd Hunter State Representative for Texas House District 32 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0672 Email: todd.hunter@house.texas.gov Facebook: @todd.hunter.710 X: @Dist32StateRep |
| Carrie Isaac State Representative for Texas House District 73 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0325 Email: carrie.isaac@house.texas.gov Facebook: @CarrieIsaacForTexas X: @CarrieIsaac |
| Helen Kerwin State Representative for Texas House District 58 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @helenkerwin4tx X: @HelenKerwin4TX |
| Ken King State Representative for Texas House District 88 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0736 Email: ken.king@house.texas.gov Facebook: @KingForTexas X: @KingForTexas |
| Stan Kitzman State Representative for Texas House District 85 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0604 Email: stan.kitzman@house.texas.gov Facebook: @StanKitzmanTX X: @StanKitzmanTX |
| Marc LaHood State Representative for Texas House District 121 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @MarcLaHoodCampaign X: @LaHood4Texas |
| Stan Lambert State Representative for Texas House District 71 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0718 Email: stan.lambert@house.texas.gov Facebook: @RepStanLambert X: @RepStanLambert |
| Brooks Landgraf State Representative for Texas House District 81 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0546 Email: brooks.landgraf@house.texas.gov Facebook: @BrooksLandgraf X: @BrooksLandgraf |
| Jeff Leach State Representative for Texas House District 67 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0544 Email: jeff.leach@house.texas.gov Facebook: @leachfortexas X: @leachfortexas |
| Mitch Little State Representative for Texas House District 65 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @people/Mitch-Little-State-Rep-ELECT-HD-65/61552635488586/ X: @realmitchlittle |
| Janie Lopez State Representative for Texas House District 37 Unconfirmed Phone: 512-463-0640 Email: janie.lopez@house.texas.gov Facebook: @JanieLopezForTexas X: @JanieLopezForTX |
| AJ Louderback State Representative for Texas House District 30 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @aj.louderback.1 X: @LouderbackAj |
| David Lowe State Representative for Texas House District 91 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @DavidLowe4TX X: @DavidLowe4Texas |
| J. M. Lozano State Representative for Texas House District 43 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0463 Email: jm.lozano@house.texas.gov Facebook: @RepJMLozano X: @RepJMLozano |
| John Lujan State Representative for Texas House District 118 Unconfirmed Phone: 512-463-0714 Email: john.lujan@house.texas.gov Facebook: @VoteLujan X: @LujanForTX |
| Shelley Luther State Representative for Texas House District 62 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @shelleylutherHD62 X: @ShelleyLuther |
| Don McLaughlin State Representative for Texas House District 80 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @donfortexas X: @donfortexas |
| John McQueeney State Representative for Texas House District 97 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Facebook: @McQueeneyForTX X: @JohnMcQueeneyTX |
| Will Metcalf State Representative for Texas House District 16 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0726 Email: will.metcalf@house.texas.gov Facebook: @WillMetcalfTX X: @willmetcalfTX |
| Morgan Meyer State Representative for Texas House District 108 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0367 Email: morgan.meyer@house.texas.gov Facebook: @MorganMeyerForTexas X: @MorganMeyerTX |
| Brent Money State Representative for Texas House District 2 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @brentmoneytx X: @BrentMoneyTX |
| Matt Morgan State Representative for Texas House District 26 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @morganfortexas X: @morgan4texas |
| Candy Noble State Representative for Texas House District 89 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0186 Email: candy.noble@house.texas.gov Facebook: @CandyNobleHD89 X: @CandyNobleHD89 |
| Michael Olcott State Representative for Texas House District 60 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @votemikeolcott X: @olcott4texas |
| Tom Oliverson State Representative for Texas House District 130 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0661 Email: tom.oliverson@house.texas.gov Facebook: @TomOliverson X: @TomOliverson |
| Angelia Orr State Representative for Texas House District 13 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0600 Email: angelia.orr@house.texas.gov Facebook: @AngeliaOrrForTX X: @AngeliaOrrForTX |
| Jared Patterson State Representative for Texas House District 106 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0694 Email: jared.patterson@house.texas.gov Facebook: @jpattersontx X: @JaredLPatterson |
| Dennis Paul State Representative for Texas House District 129 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0734 Email: dennis.paul@house.texas.gov Facebook: @Dennis.Paul.HD129 X: @DennisPaul129 |
| Dade Phelan State Representative for Texas House District 21 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-1000 Email: dade.phelan@speaker.texas.gov Facebook: @TexansForDade X: @DadePhelan |
| Katrina Pierson State Representative for Texas House District 33 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @KatrinaForTexas X: @katrinapierson |
| Keresa Richardson State Representative for Texas House District 61 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @keresafortexas X: @KeresaForTexas |
| Nate Schatzline State Representative for Texas House District 93 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0562 Email: nate.schatzline@house.texas.gov Facebook: @NateforTexas X: @NateSchatzline |
| Mike Schofield State Representative for Texas House District 132 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0528 Email: mike.schofield@house.texas.gov Facebook: @SchofieldForTexas X: @RepSchofield |
| Alan Schoolcraft State Representative for Texas House District 44 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @SchoolcraftforTX X: @Schoolcraft4TX |
| Matt Shaheen State Representative for Texas House District 66 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0594 Email: matt.shaheen@house.texas.gov Facebook: @MattShaheenTexas X: @MattShaheen |
| Joanne Shofner State Representative for Texas House District 11 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @joannefortexans X: @joannefortexans |
| Shelby Slawson State Representative for Texas House District 59 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0628 Email: shelby.slawson@house.texas.gov Facebook: @SlawsonForTexas X: @ShelbySlawson |
| John Smithee State Representative for Texas House District 86 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0702 Email: john.smithee@house.texas.gov |
| David Spiller State Representative for Texas House District 68 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0526 Email: david.spiller@house.texas.gov Facebook: @RepresentativeDavidSpiller X: @DavidSpillerTX |
| Valoree Swanson State Representative for Texas House District 150 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0572 Email: valoree.swanson@house.texas.gov Facebook: @ValoreeSwansonforTexas X: @ValoreeforTexas |
| Carl Tepper State Representative for Texas House District 84 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0676 Email: carl.tepper@house.texas.gov Facebook: @CarlTepperForTexas X: @CarlTepper |
| Tony Tinderholt State Representative for Texas House District 94 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0624 Email: tony.tinderholt@house.texas.gov Facebook: @tonytinderholtfortexas X: @reptinderholt |
| Steve Toth State Representative for Texas House District 15 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0797 Email: steve.toth@house.texas.gov Facebook: @RepresentativeSteveToth X: @Toth_4_Texas |
| Ellen Troxclair State Representative for Texas House District 19 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0490 Email: ellen.troxclair@house.texas.gov Facebook: @EllenTroxclair X: @EllenTroxclair |
| Gary VanDeaver State Representative for Texas House District 1 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0692 Email: gary.vandeaver@house.texas.gov Facebook: @GaryVanDeaverHD1 X: @GaryVanDeaver |
| Cody Vasut State Representative for Texas House District 25 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0564 Email: cody.vasut@house.texas.gov Facebook: @votevasut X: @cvasut |
| Denise Villalobos State Representative for Texas House District 34 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Facebook: @denise.etheridge.58 X: @DVillalobos20 |
| Wesley Virdell State Representative for Texas House District 53 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @wesvirdellfortexas X: @wesvirdelltx |
| Trey Wharton State Representative for Texas House District 12 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Facebook: @profile.php?id=61553738502474 X: @WhartonForTexas |
| Terry Wilson State Representative for Texas House District 20 Anti-Reform – Siding wih Democrats and Burrows Phone: 512-463-0309 Email: terry.wilson@house.texas.gov Facebook: @TerryWilsonPage X: @TerryWilsonTX |
| Terri Leo Wilson State Representative for Texas House District 23 Pro-Reform – Committed to Republican Cook for Speaker Phone: 512-463-0502 Email: terri.leo-wilson@house.texas.gov Facebook: @TerriLeoWilson X: @TerriLeoWilson |