Texas Legislature Opens 2025 Session with Divisive House Speaker Race

Lawmakers face a packed agenda, including school vouchers, property tax cuts, and a $194.6 billion budget, as Republicans remain fractured over leadership.

The Texas Legislature has convened its 89th session, with a 140-day window to address major state issues and approve a biennial budget.
A contentious race for House Speaker pits Rep. David Cook, backed by hardline conservatives, against Rep. Dustin Burrows, supported by moderates and some Democrats.
Governor Greg Abbott’s top priority is passing a school voucher program, though opposition from some Republicans and Democrats could complicate its passage.
Lawmakers will decide how to allocate nearly $24 billion in surplus funds, with competing priorities including public education, water infrastructure, and property tax cuts.
The outcome of the Speaker race will influence legislative dynamics, including relations between the House and Senate, and the fate of key conservative initiatives.