Dade Phelan stays in power despite dropping speaker bid

In Texas, Dade Phelan announced on December 6, 2023, that he would withdraw from the race for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, a role he held amidst increasing divisions within the Republican Party. His decision followed significant internal pressures and dissatisfaction from fellow GOP members regarding his leadership approach and policies. Phelan expressed that stepping aside would allow the party to unify around a new candidate who would prioritize honor, integrity, and the voting rights of all members. While some viewed him as an establishment figure, his leadership style and decisions—such as supporting the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton—contributed to his loss of support among more conservative factions. Phelan's commitment to remaining a member of the Texas House signifies his desire to continue influencing legislative matters despite stepping down from the top leadership role. Following his exit, Reps. Dustin Burrows and David Cook emerged as contenders for the Speaker position, both of whom are proponents of school choice, an issue that has been contentious among Texas Republicans. The backdrop to Phelan's removal includes a recent pattern where franchise Republican lawmakers resist measures such as school choice vouchers, with some claiming that Phelan's leadership stifled such initiatives. Proponents of school choice, including Burrows and Cook, are expected to bring renewed energy to push for changes in educational policies in the upcoming legislative sessions. By reorienting GOP leadership, the expectation is that Texas will confront issues like education reform with fresh vigor, especially following the disappointing outcomes for school choice advocates in the last electoral races. Overall, Phelan's resignation sees the Texas House poised for potential shifts in legislative priorities and party unity as they move forward.