(Texas Scorecard) – State Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos has filed to run for Speaker of the House, becoming the first Democrat to do so in what is becoming a crowded race against incumbent Speaker Dade Phelan.
In an announcement given to the leftwing Texas Tribune, Ramos cited former First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech during the Democrat National Convention as the inspiration for her run.
“Michelle Obama stated a call of action and said, ‘Don’t sit around and complain, do something.’ So I decided to run for speaker of the House,” said Ramos.
With Republicans expected to maintain or even grow their current majority in the Texas House, Ramos is unlikely win her bid for speaker. It does, however, add to the ever-growing consensus that Phelan will not be speaker next session.
Already five Republicans have announced their intention to challenge Phelan for Speaker of the House: State Reps. Tom Oliverson, Shelby Slawson, David Cook, James Frank, and John Smithee.
The official vote for speaker will take place on the first day of the legislative session, January 14, 2025.