BONNEN APPEARS SET TO BECOME TEXAS HOUSE SPEAKER
The election for Speaker of the Texas House does not officially take place until the first day of the next session (January 8), a new Speaker is apparently waiting in the wings.
Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) announced on November 12 that he has pledges of support from 109 of the 150 members who will take the oath of office in January. That far exceeds the 76 votes needed to win the House’s most powerful position.
Bonnen’s came into the race just two weeks ago after joining the race. Although seven candidates announced before him, all dropped on-by-one to support Bonnen.
If elected, Bonnen will replace outgoing Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio), who has also endorsed him.
The 46-year old Bonnen has served in the House since 1997. In recent sessions, he has chaired the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) who will likely take the reins of the Texas House as Speaker in January.