Waco, TX — A power struggle within the Texas State House Republican Caucus intensified over the weekend as lawmakers clashed over who should replace outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan, who announced last week that he would not seek a third term. The battle for Speaker has exposed deep divisions within the party, with two key candidates — David Cook of Mansfield and Dustin Burrows of Lubbock — both claiming enough support to secure the position when the full House votes in January.
On Saturday, members of the Republican Caucus gathered for a vote in which Cook emerged as the preferred candidate. However, the vote was overshadowed by controversy after supporters of Burrows staged a walkout in protest. The walkout underscored the contentious nature of the race and revealed the sharp divisions that have emerged within the Texas GOP.
The tension escalated further when a political action committee (PAC) sent out a text message Friday evening claiming that Representative Pat Curry, who was recently elected to represent District 56, was backing the more liberal Burrows. Curry, however, strongly denied the accusation, calling the PAC’s actions both illegal and misleading.
In a statement, Curry explained that he had communicated his support for Cook to both Cook and others in the caucus in writing and in person. He also expressed frustration with the PAC’s interference, which he said led to hundreds of calls and text messages, disrupting his district and causing harassment to him and his family.
“The vote hadn’t even taken place when they sent it out. David Cook will tell you that I have told him in person and in writing that I plan to support him and I did,” Curry said, reiterating his commitment to Cook.
Curry made it clear that he intends to pursue legal action against those responsible for the PAC’s text message, asserting that he would “take this to the full extent of the law.” He described the situation as a disruption to his work as a representative and a violation of his privacy. Curry’s response highlights the increasingly combative nature of the Speaker race, as rival factions within the Republican Party jockey for influence.
“I don’t know exactly why they did it, but I know the PAC. I don’t know who was behind it but I will find out and I intend to take this to the full extent of the law,” Curry said. “I got hundreds and hundreds of calls and text messages. My voice messages were full. They disrupted my district, and they harassed me and my family.”
Despite the controversy, Curry voiced his strong support for Cook, calling him a “reform-minded conservative” who aligns with the values of the Republican Party. Curry stressed that Cook was the choice of the Republican Caucus and expressed optimism that Cook would ultimately become Speaker when the full legislature convenes in January.
“David Cook is the right choice for Speaker of the House,” Curry said in a statement. “David is committed to delivering on the Republican mandate we received on November 5th, and I look forward to working with him to keep Texas and McLennan County great.”
The clash over the Speaker position has exposed the growing fractures within the Texas Republican Party, with members divided on the direction the House should take in the coming legislative session. The dispute is likely to continue to unfold as the January vote approaches, with both Cook and Burrows intensifying their efforts to secure support from their colleagues.
As the January vote looms, the Speaker race remains one of the most closely watched political battles in Texas. While David Cook has garnered backing from key factions within the Republican Caucus, Burrows is still working to consolidate his support, and the walkout on Saturday suggests that the race will be anything but smooth. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen how the contest will play out and whether the rift within the GOP can be healed before the legislature convenes in the new year.
