House Republicans Pledge to End Tradition of Appointing Democratic Committee Chairs

The race for the next House Speaker in Texas is heating up as a group of 46 Republican House members and nominees have pledged to only support a candidate who commits to ending the tradition of appointing Democratic committee chairs. This move significantly narrows the path to the gavel for current House Speaker Dade Phelan, who has vowed to continue the longstanding practice.

In order to be elected speaker, a House member must secure 76 votes, a majority of the 150-seat chamber. With Democrats controlling 64 seats, a speaker hopeful could potentially win with full Democratic support and around a dozen Republican votes. However, Phelan’s rivals are now calling for speaker candidates to only seek GOP support, making it more challenging for Phelan to secure the necessary votes.

Phelan, a Beaumont Republican, has faced backlash from the GOP’s ultraconservative wing since backing the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton last spring. With more than 20 GOP members in the House next session vowing to oppose Phelan, his chances of securing a GOP majority have become even slimmer.

The debate over Democratic chairs has intensified over the past year, with critics arguing that the positions have been used to create roadblocks in recent legislative sessions. Phelan has defended the practice, stating that it fosters a bipartisan relationship in the Texas Legislature and prevents the chaos seen in Washington, D.C.

The upcoming speaker election is shaping up to be a contentious battle, with Phelan’s opponents pushing for a speaker who will prioritize conservative legislation. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the future of the Texas House and the direction of policy-making in the state.