Embattled Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has announced that he is withdrawing from the re-election race for Speaker.
Phelan, in a statement, said that it was a difficult decision to withdraw.
“Serving in the Texas House is one of the greatest honors of my life, beginning as a staff member in this Capitol, advancing to represent my community as a state legislator, and ultimately leading for four years as Speaker od the Texas House,” Phelan said.
“By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country—a place where honor, integrity, and the right of every member to vote their district takes utmost precedent,” Phelan said.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Phelan was censured by the Republican Party of Texas State Executive Committee early this year for demonstrating a “lack of fidelity to Republican principles and priorities.”
The Republican Party of Texas pointed out how Phelan spearheaded the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton, and appointed nine Democratic chairs to House committees in 2023.
Leaders across the state have reacted to the announcement.
“Biggest news of the day in Texas. I have been opposed to Dade Phelan returning as Speaker of the Texas House for most of this year. Texas House Republican Caucus meets tomorrow to decide who they will nominate. it won’t be Phelan,” Texas Values President Jonathan Saenz wrote on X.
“Drunk Dade Phelan withdraws from the Texas Speaker race. RINOs will not be tolerated any longer here,” Blaze TV Social Media Personality Sara Gonzalez wrote on X.