Texas House Speaker Race Intensifies as GOP Divides Over Leadership

David Cook and Dustin Burrows vie for speaker role in a fractured Texas House, with Governor Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick weighing in on the contentious battle.

State Rep. David Cook has secured the GOP caucus endorsement with backing from key Republican figures, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Donald Trump Jr.
Rep. Dustin Burrows claims bipartisan support with a list of 76 alleged backers, though some have withdrawn or disputed their inclusion on the list.
Governor Greg Abbott has signaled support for a speaker chosen by a majority of Republicans, aligning indirectly with Cook while avoiding a formal endorsement.
The Texas House remains divided, with Republicans split between business conservatives and MAGA-aligned members, and Democrats fractured between progressives and moderates.
If neither candidate secures the required 76 votes by the January 14 session, other contenders may enter the race, further complicating the leadership battle.