State Representative Dustin Burrows will sit at the helm of the Texas House after a contentious race to determine who would lead the lower legislative chamber. Burrows' victory marks a devastating blow for GOP frontrunner David Cook (R-Mansfield),

The trial lawyer from Lubbock has served in the House since 2015, slowly building his stature and overcoming a scandal in 2019.

Since then, the vast majority of House speakers have been elected by acclamation or with more than 140 votes. Even Rep. Dade Phelan, whom hard-right Republicans forced from seeking a third term, received 143 votes in 2021 and 145 in 2023.

Texas AG Ken Paxton rallies for Rep. David Cook as Speaker, opposing Rep. Dustin Burrows, amidst GOP division.

The Texas GOP has been divided since the state House impeached Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was acquitted in the Senate.

The Texas attorney general was on the road this week, speaking to adoring crowds about the importance of defeating their mutual enemies.

The Texas House of Representatives elected Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) as its next speaker of the house. The House voted 85-55 in favor of Burrows over Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield). Nine members did not vote. Burrows' votes came from 46 Democrats and 39 Republicans.

As the new House Speaker Rep. Burrows (R-Lubbock) will have a critical role in deciding the legislative priorities during the new session.

Dustin Burrows is elected Speaker of the Texas House, signaling potential bipartisanship in addressing state issues.

Dustin Burrows won the Texas House Speaker election with 51 Democratic votes and 34 Republicans, causing a rift within the GOP. Smith County Republican Party Chairman David Stein predicts this division could affect the legislative session and lead to challenges in the upcoming 2026 primaries for the 34 Republicans who supported Burrows.

If Burrows becomes Speaker, Paxton and George warned any Republican who backs Burrows. "If they don't listen, we are going to come back and primary them next session and beat them," Paxton said. George echoed that.

Lubbock Republican state Rep. Dustin Burrows clenched the speakership of the Texas House on Tuesday in the culmination of an unusually long and unusually public mudfight for the role.