Earlier this week, Parker County Republican Party Chairman Brady Gray joined over 100 GOP county chairs across Texas in endorsing State Rep. David Cook for Speaker of the Texas House. In the letter, the chairs emphasized the Speaker of the House should be selected exclusively by the Republican caucus, without interference from Democrats and a handful of Republicans seeking to undermine the process.

As Republicans, we recognize the vital importance of adhering to the will of the constituents who voted for true Republican leadership and ensure the Speaker of the House is someone who upholds our values. David Cook (R-Mansfield) has committed to advancing the Texas GOP’s legislative priorities, strengthening our conservative principles, and putting an end to the longstanding practice of empowering Democrats with key committee chairmanships unlike his opponent Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock).

Unfortunately, not all members of the Republican caucus have chosen to unite behind the will of the majority. Led by Rep. Dustin Burrows, a small group of Republicans is working to secure support from Democrats and a few fellow Republicans in an effort to elect a Speaker who does not align with our conservative values. This effort is a betrayal of the party and our principles.

While Burrows has garnered support from the Lubbock County GOP, his efforts to court Democrat backing stand in stark contrast to the unified position of the vast majority of the Republican Party. The overwhelming support for David Cook sends a clear message: the Speaker should be selected by Republicans alone.

Statewide leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Attorney General Ken Paxton, have all endorsed the Republican caucus nomination process and have pledged their support for David Cook. This strong backing reinforces the message that the next Speaker must be someone who aligns with the Republican majority, not someone who seeks to compromise with Democrats in a misguided attempt to secure power.

The Parker County Republican Party stands firm in our support for David Cook. We believe that the Speaker of the Texas House must be chosen by the Republican caucus, and that person must be a true conservative leader. The time for unity is now, and we call on all Republican members of the Texas House to stand with us in support of a Speaker who will defend our Republican values.