The Texas House of Representatives has elected a new speaker to begin the start of the legislature's 89th session.
It took two rounds of voting, but Representatives elected Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) Tuesday afternoon as the new House Speaker.
"Pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the state of Texas, I declare the Honorable Dustin Burrows of Lubbock County to be the duly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 89th Legislature," Secretary of State Jane Nelson said.
Burrows beat out former Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield), the former mayor of Mansfield. Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick all backed Cook to replace outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan, who announced last month, that he was ending his bid for a third term.
State Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) voiced support for Burrows as the opposing faction for the speakership.
This is a developing story. Come back for more details.
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