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Beaumont, Texas: Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dade Phelan poses for a portrait at his office in Beaumont on Friday, Jan 26, 2024. Mark Felix/The Texas Tribune
2024 Texas Elections

House Speaker Dade Phelan, enemy of the far-right, faces toughest reelection yet

Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and former President Donald Trump are accusing Phelan of being a “RINO,” even as Phelan has overseen the passage of some of the most conservative bills in recent history.


House Speaker Dade Phelan in his office in Beaumont on Jan 26, 2024.

A son of Beaumont

Central Gardens, Texas: The Air Liquide USA facility in Central Gardens on Friday, Jan 26, 2024. Mark Felix/The Texas Tribune
Beaumont, Texas: Tree stumps in the marshes near the Neches River Salt Water Barrier in Beaumont on Friday, Jan 26, 2024.
Dade Phelan begins his second term as Speaker of the House on the opening day of the 88th legislature on Jan 10, 2023.
Beaumont, Texas: David Covey listens during an interview in Beaumont on Friday, Jan 26, 2024. Covey is running against House Speaker Dade Phelan in the Republican primary. Mark Felix/The Texas Tribune

A well-funded challenger

Beaumont, Texas: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton shakes hands with David Covey during an endorsement event in Beaumont on Monday, Jan 15, 2024. Covey is running against House Speaker Dade Phelan in the Republican primary. Mark Felix/The Texas Tribune
Central Gardens, Texas: A David Covey sign with the Air Liquide USA facility in the background in Central Gardens on Friday, Jan 26, 2024. Mark Felix/The Texas Tribune

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Politics State government Dade Phelan Dan Patrick Greg Abbott Ken Paxton Texas House of Representatives