Dustin Burrows Elected Texas House Speaker in 89th Session with 85-55 Vote, Backed by Bipartisan Coalition

Jan 14, 2025, 08:56 PM

Dustin Burrows, a Republican from Lubbock, was elected as the new Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives on the first day of the 89th legislative session. The election required two rounds of voting, with Burrows ultimately defeating Rep. David Cook of Mansfield by a vote of 85-55. In the first round, Burrows received 71 votes, Cook garnered 56, and Democrat Ana-María Ramos received 23 votes, leading to her elimination. Nine members were present but did not vote in the final round. Burrows secured the position with support from a coalition of 36 Republicans and 49 Democrats, marking a significant blow to the insurgent wing of the Republican Party who had pushed for Cook. The election of Burrows, an ally of former Speaker Dade Phelan, signals a continuation of the existing power structure in the House despite efforts from conservative factions to shift it further to the right. Burrows' victory has sparked controversy among some Republicans, with threats of political retribution against those who supported him.