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Texas Legislature 2025

How David Cook went from Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan’s ally to lead the movement to replace him

The two-term Republican caught many Capitol observers off guard when he emerged as the standard-bearer for a coalition that wants to depose Phelan and reshape how the House operates.

State Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, takes the oath of office with his hand on a bible on the first day of the 88th Texas legislative session on Jan 10, 2023.

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“A coalition builder”

Why Cook?

Phelan loyalty

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Politics Carl Tepper Dade Phelan David Cook Texas House of Representatives Texas Legislature