“ Gov. Greg Abbott extended his congratulations to the lawmaker two months ahead of the official vote.
“Congratulations to my friend, Dade Phelan, for securing the votes—including over 95% of the Republican caucus—to become the next Speaker of the Texas House,” said Abbott in a statement on Tuesday. “A strong conservative, Dade has a proven record of fighting for the lives and livelihoods of all Texans, having played a key role in authoring and passing critical legislation to bolster disaster relief and preparedness following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.”
“I look forward to working with him and all members of the House on commonsense, conservative legislation to create an even brighter future for the people of Texas,” he added.
This statement comes in stark contrast to Monday’s admonition from Texas GOP Chairman Allen West, who didn’t mince words when it came to the party’s opposition to Phelan’s potential election as speaker. ”
Abbott Bucks Texas GOP Chair, Congratulates Phelan Before Speaker Vote