Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan withdraws from race for third term

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced Friday he would withdraw from the race for Speaker of the Texas House.

“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 said in a statement.

Phelan has been the house speaker in Texas for nearly four years, with his term beginning in January 2021.

Phelan did not get a majority of the votes (43%) during the March primary election; however, in a runoff on May 28, he defeated David Covey 50.7% to 49.3%. Covey was endorsed by Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and Donald Trump.

According to his statement, Phelan said he would continue to serve in the Texas House of Representatives.

“I will and look forward to working with my colleagues to nominate a candidate who can best unite the House and ensure our beloved chamber remains a beacon of integrity and conservative leadership in the 89th Legislature.”

Republicans are expected to pick a nominee Saturday. Under the caucus rules, the person who obtains at least 60% of the votes gets the group’s endorsement, as well as support from all 88 Republican members when the vote goes to the full House in January.

State Rep. Dustin Burrows, a Lubbock Republican, filed paperwork to run for speaker, according to sources of the Texas Tribune.