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.

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.

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

The Texas GOP has been divided since the state House impeached Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was acquitted in the Senate.

Texas GOP Representative-elect Shelley Luther wrote on X: "Today, the RINO (anti-MAGA) Establishment laughed in the faces of our Republican grassroots. They chose Democrat chairs and Lobbyist buddies over their voters. I look forward to seeing if they're still laughing after the next round of primaries. The fight starts today."

TEXAS, USA — Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, was elected Texas House speaker Tuesday, shortly after the 89th Texas Legislative session started. Burrow was selected as the next Texas House Speaker over Reps. David Cook, R-Mansfield and Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos, D-Dallas. Ramos was eliminated in the first runoff.

Dustin Burrows is elected Speaker of the Texas House, signaling potential bipartisanship in addressing state issues.

The Odessa American is the leading source of local news, information, entertainment and sports for the Permian Basin.

Texas State Rep. Dustin Burrows (TX-83) was elected the next Texas House Speaker after a runoff on Tuesday during the first day of the 89th legislative session, after Republican support was split - including for local lawmakers - between him and House GOP Caucus Nominee Rep.

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

The Texas Republican Party has embraced a new class of evangelical conservatives whose goalposts continue to move further right.