Donald Trump Jr. slammed Republican state representatives who sided with Democrats in support of Rep. Dustin Burrows as Speaker of the Texas House.
“It’s unbelievable what is happening in Texas right now. There is a group of so-called Republicans cutting a deal with liberal Democrats to elect a speaker instead of uniting behind the Republican nominee, @DavidCookTexas! Unbelievable! Republicans have a mandate!” Trump Jr. wrote on X.
GOP rules dictate that all caucus members must vote for the party’s endorsed candidate for the Speaker position, but it appears that Burrows and his supporters intend to defy that mandate.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, State Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield) won the Texas House Republican Caucus endorsement for Speaker. However, in response, Burrows (R-Lubgbock) released a list of 76 supporters, including 38 Republicans and 38 Democrats. To win the Speaker’s race, a state representative needs 76 votes to win the majority of the 150 House member votes.
Burrows’ list has shrunk since his public announcement, as several members requested that their names be removed, clarifying they do not support Burrows.
Cook has received support from prominent Texas Republican elected officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“Burrows’ record is clear: he rose through the ranks by cutting deals with Democrats and actively sabotaging conservative priorities,” Paxton said in a statement, reported Texas Scorecard.
Trump Jr.’s X post in support of Cook has been met with praise from Texas conservative leaders.
“Thank you, @DonaldJTrumpJr. liberal ‘Republican’ @Burrows4TX lost the Republican vote for Speaker so he cut a deal with Democrats to keep them in power in exchange for their support. There is nothing more swampy. This betrayal of Texas voters must be defeated,” State Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) posted on X.
“Texas is the first line of defense for the country, and we have been fighting these so-called Republicans for years. It’s War here, and they WILL be defeated. Welcome to the fight, Don. 2026 can’t come fast enough,” activist Kambree Nelson wrote on X.