AUSTIN — Dade Phelan, a Beaumont Republican, was re-elected as the Texas Speaker of the House Tuesday.
He will lead the state House of Representatives through the 88th Legislative Session which also convened Tuesday. He defeated challenger state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, 143-3.
The speaker presides over the house during floor debates, rules on procedural matters and appoints members to committees.
During a speech, Phelan encouraged lawmakers to work together.
“Our rules keep the game fair, but they do not dictate the outcome,” he said. “We will have divisions — every session does — but that division does not have to define us.”
The House was officially convened by Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, a former state senator. During a speech, she, too, urged members to recognize their common goal of improving the lives of all Texans.
“No matter where you’re from, we are all Texans, and we’ve come together for the next 140 days to work on behalf of our state,” Nelson said. “There will be difficult moments ahead — that happens every session. But remember this: As Texans, we all agree on much more than any differences we might have. I have great faith in you all, and I will be rooting for you to have a successful session.”