Lone Star Sellout: The Texas Speaker’s Seat For Sale

In the Texas House, where Republicans have held the majority for 21 years, the selection of the speaker has become a case study in betrayal and backroom deals. The speaker’s gavel, a symbol of conservative governance, has been passed not to the GOP’s chosen leaders but to candidates backed by Democrats and monied interests for the past 15 years. This quiet coup has not only diluted conservative priorities but also handed the reins of power to those who undermine the party’s agenda.

The roots of this hijacking can be traced back to the fall of Tom Craddick, the last Republican speaker elected by the GOP caucus. Craddick’s tenure marked a high point for conservative leadership, but since his ouster, the speakership has been a pawn in a game controlled by Democrats and Wall Street giants like BlackRock and Vanguard. As the latest race for speaker unfolds, Texans deserve to know how this farce came to be—and what it will take to restore Republican control.

The Fall of Craddick and the Rise of the Rogue Republicans

Tom Craddick (R-Midland), the first Republican speaker since Reconstruction, epitomized the GOP’s ascension in Texas politics. Under Craddick’s leadership, conservative policies flourished, and the Republican agenda took center stage. Craddick played a key role in advancing pro-business legislation and strengthening Republican influence in state governance. But his tenure ended abruptly in 2009, when a coalition of Democrats and so-called “moderate” Republicans ousted him. The insurgents didn’t just remove Craddick; they shattered the GOP’s ability to govern itself.

Enter Joe Straus (R-San Antonio), a moderate Republican elevated by Democratic votes. Straus’ decade-long reign (2009–2019) saw the dilution of conservative priorities. His speakership set a dangerous precedent: Democrats, though in the minority, could dictate the speaker’s agenda by backing pliable Republicans willing to trade principles for power.

Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) briefly succeeded Straus but left office in disgrace after a scandal involving a secret recording in which he conspired to target fellow Republicans. Then came Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont), whose tenure culminated in the impeachment of conservative Attorney General Ken Paxton. Phelan’s decision to partner with Democrats to undermine Paxton was the final straw for many Republicans.

Now, Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) emerges as the latest rogue candidate, backed by Democrats in exchange for powerful committee chairmanships. Burrows, like his predecessors, represents a continuation of a system designed to keep true conservative governance at bay.

The Third Coast Bank Connection

The web of influence doesn’t stop at political alliances. A tiny Texas bank, Third Coast Bank, ties together a cadre of Republican Speakers and their allies. Dennis Bonnen, Dade Phelan and Dustin Burrows all have financial stakes or professional connections to the bank. Former House Speaker Bonnen and his brother Rep. Greg Bonnen both serve as directors, while Rep. Cody Harris, another Burrows ally, is a vice president. Former Speaker Phelan is not only a shareholder but also the bank’s landlord; his brother was even a director of Third Coast at one point.

What makes this even more suspect is the involvement of financial behemoths BlackRock and Vanguard, the two largest shareholders in Third Coast Bank. These firms, which control over $20 trillion in assets, have no apparent financial incentive to invest in a small Texas bank generating a mere $14 million in annual income. Their presence screams access. By holding significant stakes in a bank tied to the last two Texas Speakers (and likely the third), BlackRock and Vanguard ensure their lobbying interests are heard loud and clear in Austin. This strategy is not unprecedented; similar patterns of investment have often facilitated access to key political figures in other states.

While no direct evidence links BlackRock and Vanguard to decisions made by Bonnen, Phelan or Burrows, the potential for undue influence is undeniable. This arrangement compromises the independence of the Texas speaker and raises serious ethical concerns about who truly controls the levers of power in Austin.

The Consequences of Rogue Speakership

The cost of this arrangement is clear: the Republican majority’s inability to govern effectively. Under Phelan’s leadership, the House failed to pass key conservative priorities like school choice, despite overwhelming support among GOP voters. Worse, the impeachment of Ken Paxton—a move orchestrated with Democratic and RINO backing—revealed the depths of the speaker’s betrayal.

The failure to pass school choice legislation, for example, has left countless Texas families trapped in underperforming schools, highlighting how rogue speakership derails core conservative goals. Furthermore, the Paxton impeachment fractured the conservative base, leaving many questioning the GOP’s ability to unify and deliver on its promises.

Now, with Dustin Burrows poised to seize the gavel, the cycle threatens to repeat. Burrows has promised Democrats influential committee chairmanships, ensuring their ability to block conservative initiatives. This betrayal isn’t just about policy; it’s about the very identity of the Republican Party in Texas. The GOP caucus unanimously selected Rep. David Cook as their choice for Speaker, but rogue Republicans like Burrows, Harris and their allies have defied the party’s will to align with Democrats.

The Path Forward

Texas Republicans must act decisively to break this cycle of betrayal. The GOP caucus has adopted rules requiring members to support the party’s chosen speaker, with the threat of disqualification from future primaries for those who dissent. This rule is a necessary step to restore discipline and accountability within the party.

Texans must also demand transparency and integrity from their representatives. The financial entanglements of Third Coast Bank, BlackRock and Vanguard warrant thorough investigation. Highlighting similar cases of financial influence in other statehouses would provide additional context and strengthen the case for reform. The mere appearance of impropriety undermines public trust and erodes the GOP’s credibility.

Finally, grassroots conservatives must hold their elected officials accountable. Rogue Republicans who betray the caucus should face primary challenges and political consequences. The time for complacency is over. Texans can leverage grassroots campaigns, social media advocacy and town hall meetings to pressure their representatives. If the GOP cannot govern itself, it cannot hope to govern Texas.

Conclusion

The Texas speaker’s race is not just a political contest; it is a battle for the soul of the Republican Party. For 15 years, Democrats and monied interests have exploited divisions within the GOP to control the House. This has come at a steep cost to conservative governance and the trust of Texas voters.

The choice before Republicans is clear: stand united behind David Cook, the caucus’ chosen Speaker, or allow Dustin Burrows and his Democratic allies to perpetuate a system of cronyism and betrayal. The stakes are too high for business as usual. Texans deserve a speaker who represents their values, not the interests of Wall Street and the radical left. It’s time to take back the gavel—and with it, the future of conservative leadership in the Lone Star State.

Sponsored by the John Milton Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping independent journalists overcome formidable challenges in today’s media landscape and bring crucial stories to you.

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