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

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. Burrows won the speaker's race by a vote of 85-55.

Lubbock Republican state Rep. Dustin Burrows clinched the Texas House speakership Tuesday with 85 votes in the 150-member chamber.

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

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who heads the Texas Senate, opposed Burrows’ run for Speaker. He has since released a statement saying both the house and senate are required to pass legislation and he’s “counting” on Burrows to pass conservative legislation.

The trial lawyer from Lubbock has served in the House since 2015, slowly building his stature and overcoming a scandal in 2019.

The unusually public battle to helm the Texas House divided both Democratic and Republican lawmakers between Rep. Dustin Burrows and Rep. David Cook.

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.

The political donations came in the two weeks before the fundraising blackout period tied to the legislative session.

Will Texas House Republicans pay for supporting Dustin Burrows for speaker? Passage of conservative priorities could remove the sting for primary voters

Burrows bested challenger David Cook (R-Mansfield) in a runoff vote on the first day of the Texas Legislature in Austin.

As the new House Speaker Rep. Burrows (R-Lubbock) will have a critical role in deciding the legislative priorities during the new session.