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Breaking News: Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has now withdrawn from the GOP nominating contest.

This is an EXTRA Texas Minute for Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Phelan Withdraws, Calls on Supporters to 'Rally Around a New Candidate' 

• Embattled House Speaker Dade Phelan announced this morning he is withdrawing from the race for reelection to his post, just one day ahead of the Texas House GOP caucus meeting tomorrow in the Capitol. Brandon Waltens has the details.
      
• In a statement, Phelan called on his (remaining) supporters to "rally around a new candidate"—a not-so-subtle dig opposing State Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield), who has the support of more than 50% of the House GOP caucus.
      
• One of Phelan's lieutenants—State Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock)—tried last night to get the support of the Democrats in engineering a bid. He met with the DEM caucus late Thursday night but failed to secure their official support. However, it is noteworthy that Burrows' inclination was to start his campaign by seeking the Democrats' support.
      
• Earlier this year, Phelan narrowly avoided losing his own House seat after being forced into a runoff election. His opponent, David Covey, was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who labeled any Republican supporting Phelan “a fool.” That race was marked by nearly 2,000 Democrats crossing over to vote in the GOP primary runoff, which Phelan won by fewer than 700 votes.

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