Photo by Michael Stravato
As members of the Texas House of Representatives prepare to vote for their next leader, Rice University political scientist Mark Jones is available to discuss what can be expected.
House members will vote for a new speaker Jan. 14, and Jones, a professor of political science, said the outcome of the election will have a powerful impact on the scope and tenor of the legislation passed during the 2025 legislative session.
“A speaker elected by a coalition of a majority of Democrats and a minority of Republicans — such as State Rep. Dustin Burrows — would be expected to block or water down far more of the conservative legislation passed by the Texas Senate than would a speaker elected primarily by Republicans — such as State Rep. David Cook,” Jones said. “A House run by Burrows would also be expected to have a much more conflictual relationship with the Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick-led Senate and Gov. Greg Abbott than would be the case if the GOP caucus’s preferred candidate, Cook, becomes speaker.”
On X, Jones posted a graphic illustrating current support for Cook’s Texas speakership bid and the location of returning Texas GOP representatives on the liberal-conservative dimension for the 88th (2023) legislative sessions.
Jones also serves as a fellow at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. His expertise and scholarly work has been widely cited by local, state and national media as well as numerous political campaigns. To schedule an interview, contact Jones directly at 832-466-6535 or [email protected].
Written by Amy McCaig for Rice News.
