Dade Phelan, the two-time Republican speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, announced Friday he will not seek a third term, stepping aside amid criticism from within his own party.
The speaker faced significant backlash after initiating a failed impeachment of Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. During a May runoff race, Phelan’s opponent, Dave Covey, received endorsements from Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and President-elect Donald Trump.
“By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country—a place where honor, integrity, and the right of every member to vote their district takes utmost precedent,” Phelan wrote in a statement.
STATEMENT: Dade Phelan’s withdrawal from the Speaker’s race. #TxLege pic.twitter.com/a3nfKWtGQD
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX)
Paxton celebrated his decision, calling his legacy “one of betrayal.”
“Phelan’s legacy is one of betrayal: prioritizing Democrat interests over his own caucus, leaving Republican members exposed, attempting a shameful impeachment stunt and consistently failing to deliver for the voters who sent him to Austin,” Paxton wrote in an official statement. “His so-called ‘leadership’ disqualified him long before this moment.”
“Any Republican backing Phelan is a fool, and should be disassociated from the Republican Party,” Trump posted to Truth Social in February.
Republican State Reps. Dustin Burrows and David Cook are now the leading contenders for the speakership. Burrows has faced his own criticism, particularly regarding transgender medical treatments for minors. Paxton attacked Burrows as Phelan’s handpicked candidate and a representative of the “Austin establishment.” (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Prominent Police Organization Throws Support Behind Kristi Noem In Confirmation Process)
During his tenure as the Calendars Committee chairman in the 87th Legislature, Burrows was accused of allowing bills that would have banned certain “gender-affirming” medical procedures for minors to die in committee. One such bill, House Bill 1399, which would have prohibited such procedures for individuals under 18, remained on the General State Calendar until the legislative session’s end.
Jeff Younger, a Texas resident and independent writer whose ex-wife is raising his son as a girl, criticized Burrows, arguing that the state was delayed in preventing children from undergoing sex change surgeries.
As leader of the Calendar Committee, Dustin Burrows killed the bill outlawing sex change surgeries on kids.
It took us another two years to get it passed. Hundreds of children were harmed.
Dustin Borrows supports transing kids.
He must not lead the House.
— Jeff Younger (@JeffYoungerShow) December 5, 2024
The race for Texas House speaker continues to be a contentious issue within the state’s Republican Party.
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