ETX representative will support speaker candidate despite threats

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, the Texas House will vote on a speaker in less than a month when the 2025 legislative session is set to begin, however Republicans are split on who to support in the race. Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock. and Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, are running for House Speaker after Dade Phelan removed himself from contention. Since then, Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, said he received threatening messages Sunday night from the Chairman of the Texas Republican Party, Abraham George.

Harris said the message was clear, to unite behind the caucus and rules established by the party. If Harris does not comply, the chairman threatened Harris with a campaign mailer to his district encompassing all of Anderson, Cherokee, and Navarro Counties, and the majority of Henderson County. However, Cook and Burrows declared that they have enough votes needed to win the race in January.

“This action is not only disappointing but baffling. My position reflects the will of the people who overwhelmingly elected me to represent their strong conservative values. In the 2024 Republican primary, I earned 83% of the vote, and in the general election, 81% of voters reaffirmed their trust in me. These voters chose me because they know I stand firm in supporting conservative policies, which, in turn, means supporting the most conservative candidate for Speaker—someone with the proven record, leadership, and ability to advance priorities like securing our border, protecting life, defending the Second Amendment and empowering parents.”
Rep. Cody Harris

“I’m supporting Dustin Burrows, because I know that he will help lead us and deliver on the conservative legislation that voters elected me to go to Austin and deliver and so many others throughout the state,” Harris said.

Harris said Cook does not have a track record aligning with conservative principles. For example, Cook refused to support a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying. As a mayor, Cook raised property taxes and fees supporting ordinances, restricted natural gas drilling and banned fracking.

Harris said the recent pressure from the chairman will not stop him from representing District 8’s strong conservative values.

“They are gaslighting at every turn and I’m not going to be swayed by that. I’m not going to flinch. I know that the right thing to do for delivering conservative results to the citizens of House District 8 is to support Dustin Burrows for speaker of the house,” Harris said.

George said last week any members who go against David Cook could face a censure from the party.

“Lying to voters unless I agree to vote the way you want me to, that is legislative bribery. I look forward to seeing the legal process work out on that very soon,” Harris said.

Harris said he will not be swayed by coercion and his decisions are guided by his principles not outside interests or political power plays.

“I remain committed to fighting for the principles that make our party and our state strong. Together, we will ensure that conservative values and integrity prevail in the Texas House,” Harris said. “So, when that attack mailer hits your mailbox, you’ll know why.”

KETK News has reached out to George’s office who has not responded on the matter.