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September 8, 2024
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
A third entrant has placed their hat in the ring to be the next Speaker of the Race, challenging incumbent Dade Phelan.
State Rep. David Cook of Mansfield made the announcement Tuesday evening, saying, “It’s time to ensure that leadership better reflects the will of the majority party.”
“After a draining year of legislative sessions followed by a tumultuous primary season, the question before us is no longer how we got here, but how we move forward. The current state of the Republican caucus is of grave concern. Internal strife threatens to weaken our leadership and distract us from the work we were elected to do.
Rebuilding trust, maintaining integrity, and finding unity within our caucus is vital if we are to effectively govern as the majority party,” Cook wrote in a letter to his Republican House colleagues.
“Change at the top is needed to better align with the priorities of our Members and the people of Texas. Now is the time to set aside the battles that have divided us and focus on what we can achieve together.”
To that end, Cook said it was time to “shift to a Republican chair model.”
“However, Democratic members will still have the opportunity to work their bills and see them considered fairly, as preserving the rights of the minority party remains part of facilitating the orderly transaction of business in the Texas House,” he added.
Ending the practice of placing Democrats in leadership positions has been a driving factor in the campaigns against current Speaker Dade Phelan, who has repeatedly defended the practice. State Reps. Tom Oliverson and Shelby Slawson, who have also announced their own campaigns for Speaker, have also committed to ending Democrat chairs.
“Today, I am declaring my candidacy to serve as your next Speaker of the Texas House. As Speaker, I will be committed to being actively engaged and present in the daily workings of our Chamber. Leadership means not only setting the direction, but also being in the arena alongside each of you. My philosophy is rooted in returning power to the Members and fostering an environment where we can work together effectively,” wrote Cook.
Incoming Republican members will select a candidate for speaker in caucus later this year. The official vote for Speaker will take place on the first day of the legislative session, January 14.
Featured
The Texas House impeached the attorney general in rushed proceedings mere days before the end of the 2023 legislative session. Yet months later, the impeachment crumbled under even the lightest scrutiny while Ken Paxton was on trial in the Texas Senate.
The process itself was so flawed that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick—who presided over the impeachment trial as President of the Senate—later requested an audit of both chambers’ expenses to serve as a guidepost for future legislatures.
Now, a year out from the beginning of Paxton’s trial, the House still has yet to disclose the cost of the impeachment proceedings.
State
Rick Perry Tapped as Dade Phelan’s New Senior Advisor
Perry joins Phelan’s team as he faces three opponents in the race for Speaker.
Chinese Infiltration of American Higher Education Reaches Texas A&M
China is stealing national security secrets from American universities, and Texas A&M has left its door open.
Lawmaker Suggests Starting School in September to Save Energy, Protect Grid
State Rep. Jared Patterson proposes sending kids back to school after Labor Day.
Local
AG Paxton Sues Bexar County Over Controversial Voter Registration Funding
Attorney General Ken Paxton had warned Bexar County he would sue if the commissioners approved a mass mailing of voter registration applications regardless of whether they were requested.
Catholic Charities of Fort Worth Enabling Illegal Aliens?
The organization is helping illegal aliens obtain citizenship and handing out millions in taxpayer money to them.
Autistic Preschooler Left on Dallas ISD Bus for Entire School Day
The 4-year-old girl was found by another bus driver and treated for dehydration.
Federal
Texas Sues Biden-Harris Administration Over Rule Weakening State Law Enforcement Powers
Attorney General Ken Paxton warns the federal rule is an attempt to weaken the state’s pro-life laws.
US Rep. Chip Roy Outlines How the Biden-Harris Border Crisis Is Affecting America
The Texas Republican’s report outlines multiple ways illegal aliens have harmed American cities and citizens.
Biden-Harris Administration Blocked From Forcing Hospitals to Conduct Gender Mutilation Surgeries
Attorney General Ken Paxton said he will continue fighting back when the federal government subverts the U.S. Constitution.
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