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House Speaker Dade Phelan celebrates after declaring victory over challenger David Covey on May 28, 2024 at JW’s Patio in Beaumont.
2024 Texas Elections

House Speaker Dade Phelan wins runoff, surviving challenge by Texas GOP’s far-right forces

Business-minded Republicans spent millions trying to save Phelan, whose far-right opponent had the backing of Donald Trump, Ken Paxton and Dan Patrick. Phelan won by 366 votes, according to unofficial returns.


David Covey stands on stage as the crowd waits for results to come in during a watch party on election night at The Palms Event Center in Orange, Texas, US, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Covey is challenging Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, whose ouster could turn up the far-right temperament of the already conservative Legislature.

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Politics Dade Phelan Texas Legislature