AUSTIN, Texas — State Rep. Dade Phelan released a statement Friday morning announcing he is withdrawing from the House Speaker race. He's led the House as speaker for four years.
"By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country," Phelan's statement reads.
Phelan retained his seat in the 2024 election after narrowly beating out challenger David Covey in the GOP primary runoff.
Phelan will continue to serve out his term as a representative for Beaumont.
"I am profoundly grateful to those who have supported me throughout my speakership—principled conservatives who have shown steadfast resolve and courage in the face of immense intimidation from outsiders wishing to influence our chamber and its processes," the statement says.
In February, the Republican Party of Texas officially censured Phelan over what it called a "lack of fidelity to Republican principles and priorities."
This came after Phelan initiated the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom the state Senate declined to convict. Paxton was acquitted in the Texas Senate in September, 2023, after a two-week trial.
The impeachment angered conservatives and drew a rebuke from Trump, plunging Phelan into an expensive battle just to win reelection and a vanishing path to keep one of the most powerful positions in Texas.
Paxton also issued a statement on Phelan's withdrawal in which he called the impeachment a "stunt."
"Phelan's legacy is one of betrayal: prioritizing Democratic interests over his own caucus, leaving Republican members exposed, attempting a shameful impeachment stunt and consistently failing to deliver for the voters who sent him to Austin," Paxton's statement reads.
Read Phelan's full statement below:
"Serving in the Texas House is one of the greatest honors of my life, beginning as a staff member in this Capitol, advancing to represent my community as a state legislator, and ultimately leading for four years as Speaker of the Texas House.
"Out of deep respect for this institution and its members, and after careful consideration and private consultation with colleagues, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the race for Speaker of the Texas House. By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country—a place where honor, integrity, and the right of every member to vote their district takes utmost precedent.
"I am profoundly grateful to those who have supported me throughout my speakership—principled conservatives who have shown steadfast resolve and courage in the face of immense intimidation from outsiders wishing to influence our chamber and its processes. Though the battle for my speakership is over, the war for the integrity of this chamber wages on—and we will win.
"I will continue to serve in the Texas House of Representatives and look forward to working with my colleagues to nominate a candidate who can best unite the House and ensure our beloved chamber remains a beacon of integrity and conservative leadership in the 89th Legislature."
Read Paxton's full statement below:
"Phelan's legacy is one of betrayal: prioritizing Democratic interests over his own caucus, leaving Republican members exposed, attempting a shameful impeachment stunt and consistently failing to deliver for the voters who sent him to Austin. His so-called 'leadership' disqualified him long before this moment.
"But make no mistake, the swamp isn't drained yet. Now, the Austin establishment is rallying behind Dustin Burrows - a politician handpicked by Phelan and the Austin Establishment to continue their reign of weak leadership and backroom deals.
"Burrows' record is clear: he rose through the ranks by cutting deals with Democrats and actively sabotaging conservative priorities. His loyalty isn't to the conservative principles that define our party - it's to the same corrupt power brokers who propped up Phelan. Burrows is Dade 2.0 and can only become Speaker by being elected by more Democrats than Republicans.
"Supporting Burrows is a betrayal of the conservative movement. Voters will remember."
Texas has become a leader in conservative legislation for other GOP-controlled states across the country and its border security tactics will likely be a model for the incoming Trump administration.
Texas banned nearly all abortions after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and has outlawed gender affirming care for transgender youth. More than 30 anti-LGBTQ bills have been filed ahead of next year's session that restrict teachings on sexuality, bathroom use, and medical care for transgender people.
The Texas House will formally elect a speaker once session begins in January.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.