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House Speaker Dade Phelan, David Covey head to runoff
One of the most powerful politicians in the state is facing a runoff to try to keep his seat in the State House. Speaker Dade Phelan, a two-term incumbent, struggled getting votes after finding himself in hot water with other Texas Republicans.
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and Paxton-backed businessman David Covey are headed to a runoff in the Texas House District 21 race.
Phelan, a two-term incumbent, who represents southeast Texas is at the center of the Texas Republican Party's civil war.
Covey, who works in the oil and gas industry, had several endorsements from key Republicans, including former president Donald Trump, attorney general Ken Paxton and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
"This runoff is not a defeat, but rather a call to arms for all who stand for the principles of the America First movement," Paxton posted on social media.
Paxton was highly-critical of the House's impeachment of the attorney general.
Phelan has defended the impeachment despite the Senate's eventual acquittal of Paxton.
Covey, who worked in oil and gas industry, called the effort to impeach Paxton an "absolute embarrassment."
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AG Paxton calls for Speaker Dade Phelan to resign
Video from the House floor on Friday night shows Phelan slurring his words on the House floor while debating an amendment to a Senate Bill.
Paxton also accused Phelan of being drunk on the House floor.
The House Speaker also butted heads with Lt. Gov. Patrick over how to cut property taxes in the state.
Phelan was backed by several establishment Republicans, including former governor Rick Perry.
There are no primary candidates running for the Democrats in District 21, meaning the winner of the runoff will win the State House seat.
The runoff will be May 28.