The veteran president of the Texas Senate and the new speaker of the House did not start out on the same page.

Meanwhile in the Panhandle, Republicans were less excited that Burrows won the speaker contest thanks largely to Democrats.

Conservative activists in the GOP caucus called any power sharing with the minority party a betrayal of Republican voters.

We’re glad to see the next speaker was selected by a bipartisan delegation, and we’re optimistic that having a West Texan in top leadership again will prove beneficial for our region.

Democrats will serve as House committee vice chairs, which some lawmakers said harks back to the Texas tradition of power sharing. But vice chairs don’t have nearly the power enjoyed by chairs, who can push or kill legislation and are better positioned to pass legislation.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows navigates bipartisan tightrope with the adoption of new rules governing committees in his chamber.

Rep. Dustin Burrows is elected Texas House Speaker, winning with support from Democrats, amid GOP internal tensions.

Since then, the vast majority of House speakers have been elected by acclamation or with more than 140 votes. Even Rep. Dade Phelan, whom hard-right Republicans forced from seeking a third term, received 143 votes in 2021 and 145 in 2023.

AUSTIN — The 89th legislative session began Tuesday with members of the Texas House electing Rep. Dustin Burrows as their new speaker after a month-long divisive battle among Republicans.

Dustin Burrows is elected Speaker of the Texas House, signaling potential bipartisanship in addressing state issues.

Speaker Dustin Burrows’ (R-Lubbock) bid for the top post in the Texas House of Representatives proved successful on Jan. 14, the first day of the legislature’s biennial regular session.

A leader who learned to keep promises, a chance at chairing committees, and what they see as more chances for a fairer playing field.