The race for Texas Speaker of the House continues to heat up with no clear resolution in sight, as Rep. Gary Gates (R-Richmond) issued a scathing letter urging his Republican colleagues to reconsider their support for Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield). The Texas House convenes in less than a month, yet the two leading candidates—Cook and Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock)—remain locked in a contentious battle for the gavel.
In his letter, Gates argues that Cook’s campaign for Speaker has stalled, pointing to his inability to secure more than 57 Republican votes despite weeks of campaigning. According to Gates, Cook’s path to the 76 votes needed to win is now mathematically improbable. Meanwhile, Burrows has reportedly gained the support of 31 Republicans and 38 Democrats, positioning himself as a bipartisan alternative—a dynamic that Cook’s camp has struggled to counter.
“As time grows short and critical decisions must be made that impact our entire state, I must be frank: The path is very narrow at this time and needs a change of its game plan to achieve victory,” Gates states.
Key Points from Gates’s Letter:
- Cook’s Stagnation: Gates highlights that Cook has failed to secure new commitments since December 7, raising doubts about his viability as a candidate.
- Factional Infighting: Gates criticizes attacks by Cook’s allies on Burrows supporters, suggesting these tactics have backfired, hardening opposition and discouraging compromise.
- Democratic Opposition: Gates asserts that Cook’s perceived ties to conservative outside interest groups have alienated Democrats, making their support unlikely.
- A Call for New Leadership: Gates suggests Cook step aside in favor of a new candidate capable of uniting up to 30 additional members, including moderate Republicans and Democrats.
The Larger Context:
The race for Speaker became necessary after former Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) withdrew his candidacy. Despite delivering significant conservative wins last session, Phelan’s failure to pass school vouchers and his role in Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial alienated key allies, including Governor Greg Abbott. Phelan’s withdrawal left Cook and Burrows, two staunch conservatives, vying for the position.
While both candidates align on core conservative issues, including opposing Democratic committee chairs, their campaigns reflect deeper divisions within the Republican Party. Burrows has leaned into bipartisan outreach, while Cook has focused on consolidating GOP support.
What’s Next?
Gates’s letter adds urgency to the decision-making process, emphasizing that time is running out to find a unifying candidate. Whether Cook, Burrows, or a yet-to-emerge compromise candidate ultimately prevails, the next Speaker will face the unenviable task of navigating a deeply divided chamber during one of the most critical sessions in recent memory.
With the clock ticking, the question remains: Will Cook step aside, as Gates suggests, or will the Republican Party gamble on a potentially divisive floor fight?
