Straus: "The Texas House is Ready to Lead"

House Speaker Joe Straus issued a statement Wednesday morning congratulating the winners in Tuesday's primary while stressing that the House is already at work on an agenda next session that "prioritizes economic opportunity, education, infrastructure and fiscal discipline."

For the most part, House incumbents did okay, a result that cuts both ways for Straus. Key lieutenants, such as Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, and Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, won their races. But so did some of the highest-profile Tea Party freshmen. Both Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, and Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, took home convincing victories. And Tea Party candidates defeated several establishment Republicans, such as Higher Education Vice Chairwoman Diane Patrick, R-Arlington; Bennett Ratliff, R-Coppell; and Lance Gooden, R-Terrell.

Here's Straus' statement in its entirety:

The vast majority of Members who faced primary challenges won their races, and that’s not an accident. Voters see the Texas House identifying key priorities, building consensus and working to solve our most significant challenges. The results in these races prove that Texans support our constructive approach.

"While many offices and agencies will soon enter periods of transition, the Texas House is ready to lead. The work of preparing for the next legislative session is underway, and it will accelerate in the months ahead. The House will enter the next session ready to act on an agenda that prioritizes economic opportunity, education, infrastructure and fiscal discipline. We welcome others who want to join in those efforts.

"I want to congratulate all of the winners of Tuesday’s primaries, as well as the candidates who advanced to runoffs. As this election year continues, I encourage them to articulate a positive vision that focuses on responsible solutions for a state that continues to grow rapidly.