On September 10, 2024, prior to the 2024 election, 48 house Republicans who opposed Phelan unanimously chose David Cook [3] of the 96th district as the reformer-endorsed candidate in the next speakership election. [4] [5] Phelan was expected to seek support from Democrats in order to remain as speaker, but ultimately opted out of seeking a third term as speaker. [6] [7] Dustin Burrows of the 83rd district, an ally of Phelan, sought the speakership, relying on the support of Democratic representatives and Republicans who defeated primary challengers. [8] On January 14, 2025, Burrows was elected Texas House Speaker after 49 Democrats joined 36 Republicans to back him in the second round of voting, defeating Cook by a vote of 85 to 55. [9]
Quorum Break
On July 21, 2025 the legislature began a special session called by the Governor to address several issues including natural disaster relief, THC regulation, restricting abortion medication, and congressional redistricting. [10] On August 3, Texas House Democrats left the state in order to prevent a quorum from meeting and voting on a new congressional map that heavily favored the Republican party. [11] On August 4th, when the roll call showed that the chamber lacked a quorum, a call of the house was issued and the Speaker signed civil arrest warrants to try and secure the return of the absent members. [12] Since the absent members were not within the state, the warrants were mostly symbolic. Due to rules enacted after the last quorum break in the 87th Legislature, the absent members were subject to $500 a day fines. [13] On August 7, Senator John Cornyn announced that the FBI had agreed to assist in reestablishing quorum. [14]
Republican leadership in the state have initiated lawsuits against the missing Democrats. They argue that by leaving the state, the absent members have vacated their seats. [15] [16] The Supreme Court of Texas is currently examining the question, but a ruling is not expected until after the first called session is complete. [17]
Given the national implications of the proposed congressional maps in the 2026 midterm elections, other states have threatened to also redraw their maps in partisan retaliation. Democratic leadership in California and New York have signaled their intent to counteract Republican gains. [18] [19] Republican leadership in Missouri and Florida have also discussed their plans to join in the redistricting push. [20] [21]
The quorum break ended on August 18. The House Democrats returned to the capitol after the first called session was ended, and California committed to introducing redistricting legislation to offset the partisan gains of the new Texas congressional maps. [22] [23] In order to ensure that a quorum would be present in order to allow a vote on the new maps, the members who had participated in the break had to sign a permission slip to leave the building. Once they left the building, they would be escorted by a state trooper who would make sure they return. At least one member, Nicole Collier, refused to agree with the police escort and had to remain in the building overnight. [24] After the House voted out the new maps on August 20, the call of the house expired and members were able to move freely without the escort.
At the end of the second called session, the House changed its rules to further increase the penalties incurred on lawmakers who break quorum. These new penalties include increased fines, prohibitions on political fundraising, and potential loss of seniority and committee positions. [25]
