Earlier today, House Speaker Joe Straus announced he would not seek reelection to his San Antonio seat (HD-121), but did not rule out running for higher office. Within hours of Straus' announcement, one of his top lieutenants, Rep. John Zerwas (R-Richmond) announced that he had filed to run for the speaker's post. State Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) had previously announced his candidacy, and others are expected to jump in. Our list of potential candidates (pure speculation at this point) includes: Rep. Four Price, Trent Ashby, Travis Clardy, Drew Darby, Charlie Geren, Chris Paddie, and Matt Schaefer, among others. Straus said it would not be his place to express any preference for a successor.

It's been since 1993 that there was an open race for House Speaker, and Straus' decision will have far-reaching political repercussions. This earthquake will likely have aftershocks down the ballot in 2018 and beyond. Straus has become a lightning rod for tea party/liberty caucus, discontent with more moderate elements in the state Republican Party. With great vitriol, Straus' critics have come to view him as the key obstruction to conservative legislation in Texas, as the ultimate RINO - Republican In Name Only - despite Straus' superb Texas Republican pedigree. Straus has been unapologetic about his leadership, which he characterized as "working across party lines." The House derailed Senate efforts to pass laws banning transgender-friendly bathroom bills and to use state money to support private school tuition.

Following Straus' announcement Wednesday, state Rep. Byron Cook (R-Corsicana) and one of Straus' key lieutenants, said that he too would not run for reelection. Cook chairs the powerful House Committee on State Affairs committee.

We will continue to provide updates on this situation as they become available.

Jennifer Cawley
Executive Director
(512) 656-2850 (Mobile)
(512) 472-6886 (Office)