Dallas County Republicans threaten censure against 2 House members over speaker support

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Reps. Morgan Meyer (left) and Angie Chen Button (right) might soon be challenged by their own party if they do not vote for Rep. David Cook for House speaker when the legislature reconvenes.

DALLAS - The Dallas County Republican Party is threatening to censure two of its members as the battle for Texas House speaker rages on ahead of the official start to the legislative session.

What we know:

Dallas County Republican Party Chair Allen West sent a letter to Reps. Angie Chen Button and Morgan Meyer calling for a united Republican Party when the session begins.

The Republican Caucus met in early December in an attempt to rally the party behind one candidate.

Instead, two candidates emerged after Rep. Dade Phelan said he would not seek a third term as speaker.

It was during that meeting that Reps. Button and Meyer walked out during a third vote for a speaker candidate.

They were also among the Republicans who supported Rep. Dustin Burrows over Rep. David Cook.

Now, Dallas County Republicans are telling the pair to rally behind Cook or be subject to censure.

What they're saying:

"In the event you do not support Representative David Cook for Speaker or you vote for any attempt to change the rules to allow for a secret ballot, Dallas County Precinct Chairs shall:

1. Proceed with a vote of your censure with all applicable penalties imposed.
2. Immediately campaign against you, and
3. Actively seek your replacements," West said in the letter.

The backstory:

Burrows was the first to say he had the votes to become speaker.

The Lubbock representative released a list of 76 Republicans and Democrats who, he said, supported him and his efforts to become speaker.

However, during December’s GOP meeting, Tarrant County’s David Cook emerged as the party’s candidate after securing the support of 56 members.

The divide within the party has led to threats of censure and primary challengers, much like the challenges brought against those who voted for Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment and voted against Gov. Greg Abbott’s school voucher plan.

Paxton has been on a speaking tour throughout the state in recent days, calling for a speaker who is elected by Republicans instead of a speaker who is elected by members of both parties.

What's next:

The full House will officially vote to elect a speaker when the legislature reconvenes on Tuesday, but it is possible that Republicans could reach some sort of consensus before then.