Dade Phelan, a two-time Republican speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, announced Friday that he will resign and not seek a third term following criticism from within his party.
The speaker faced significant backlash after launching an unsuccessful impeachment campaign against Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. In the May runoff, Phelan's opponent, Dave Covey, received support from Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and President-elect Donald Trump.
“By withdrawing, we have the best opportunity to rally around a new candidate who upholds the principles that make our House of Representatives the most exceptional deliberative body in this country – a place where honor, integrity and integrity are valued.” We believe that every member of Congress can create the right to vote in their district, and the right of every member to vote in their district is paramount,” Phelan wrote. statement.
Statement: Dade Phelan withdraws from the House of Representatives race. #TxLege pic.twitter.com/a3nfKWtGQD
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX)
Paxton praised his decision and called his legacy “one of betrayal.”
“Mr. Phelan's legacy is one of betrayal: putting Democratic interests ahead of his own caucus, leaving Republicans exposed, attempting a shameful impeachment stunt, and betraying the voters who sent him to Austin. ,” Paxton wrote to officials. statement. “His so-called 'leadership' disqualified him long before this moment.”
President Trump: “Republicans who support Mr. Phelan are idiots and should leave the Republican Party.'' Posted Truth Social in February.
Republican state Reps. Dustin Burrows and David Cook are currently the leading candidates for chair. Burroughs has faced criticism of her own regarding transgender medical care, particularly for minors. Paxton attacked Burroughs as Phelan's hand-picked candidate and representative of the “Austin establishment.” (Related: Exclusive: Prominent law enforcement organization throws support behind Kristi Noem in confirmation process)
During his tenure as chairman of the Calendar Committee in the 87th Congress, Burroughs is accused of allowing a bill in the committee that would ban certain “gender-affirming” medical procedures for the death of minors. One such bill is House Bill 1399which would have prohibited such proceedings against individuals under 18, remained on the state's general calendar until the end of the legislative session.
Jeff Younger, an independent writer in Texas whose ex-wife is raising their son as a girl, criticized Burroughs, saying the state has been slow to block children from having sex-reassignment surgeries.
As Calendar Committee Leader, Dustin Burrows defeated a bill that would have outlawed sex reassignment surgery for children.
It took another two years to get it through. Hundreds of children were affected.
Dustin Borrows supports transgender children.
He should not lead the House.
— Jeff Younger (@JeffYoungerShow) December 5, 2024
The race for speaker of the Texas House continues to be a point of contention within the state's Republican Party.
