AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Speaker of the House Dade Phelan announced committee assignments Wednesday morning, appointing Democrats as a quarter of all committee chairs, despite some pushback within the Republican party to not give the minority party leadership positions.
“These assignments were made after careful consideration and extensive reflection, taking into account the committee preferences expressed by each member as well as the diverse talents they bring to the table — a combination that will help drive our chamber’s success and impact on issues facing Texans this legislative session,” Phelan said in an office press release.
While Phelan still gave Democrats leadership roles, he notably appointed less this session than in 2021 — when he appointed 13 Democratic leaders as opposed to the 9 Democratic chairs this time.
His office said the appointments were based off of numerous conversations with lawmakers and that the speaker factored in seniority, chamber demographics, personal preferences and more.
“The issues facing our great state will require thorough conversations and collaboration inside the Texas House, and our chamber does its best work when lawmakers use their skill sets and strengths to work together and build consensus,” the speaker said.
The highest appointment went to Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth. Phelan named Geren the Speaker Pro Tempore, who will preside over the chamber in Phelan’s absence. In the 2021 session, Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, filled this role.
There are 34 standing House committees and two select committees, as well as the House Calendars Committee. Phelan appointed a majority of Republicans as chairs, with 28 GOP members in leadership.
Agriculture & Livestock Committee
Chair: Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park
Vice-Chair: Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, R-Waco
Other members —
Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio
Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin
Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine
Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston
Rep. Kronda Thimesch, R-Lewisville
Rep. Terry M. Wilson, R-Marble Falls
Appropriations Committee
Chair: Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood
Vice-Chair: Rep. Mary González, D-El Paso
Other members —
Rep. Steve Allison, R-San Antonio
Rep. Cecil Bell Jr., R-Magnolia
Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas
Rep. Mano DeAyala, R-Houston
Rep. Gary Gates, R-Richmond
Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, D-San Antonio
Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin
Rep. Carrie Isaac, R-Dripping Springs
Rep. Jacey Jetton, R-Richmond
Rep. Jarvis Johnson, D-Houston
Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez, D-Weslaco
Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio
Rep. Geanie W. Morrison, R-Victoria
Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca
Rep. Lina Ortega, D-El Paso
Rep. Toni Rose, D-Dallas
Rep. David Spiller, R-Mansfield
Rep. Lynn Stucky, R-Denton
Rep. Carl Tepper, R-Lubbock
Rep. Kronda Thimesch, R-Lewisville
Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston
Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston
Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston
Business & Industry Committee
Chair: Rep. Oscar Longoria, D-Mission
Vice-Chair: Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton
Other members —
Rep. Sheryl Cole, D-Austin
Rep. Frederick Frazier, R-McKinney
Rep. Jessica González, D-Dallas
Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin
Rep. Carrie Isaac, R-Dripping Springs
Rep. Stan Lambert, R-Abilene
Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, D-Dallas