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The Blast: Wu in, TMF out [1]
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Date: 2024-12
Dec 4, 2024 | View in browser
By Renzo Downey and The Texas Tribune Politics Team
3 days until the December Texas House Republican Caucus meeting
10 days until the 2025 moratorium on political contributions
41 days until the 89th Legislature convenes
Wu wins House Dems leadership vote Making the case for better “external communication,” Gene Wu defeated Trey Martinez Fischer tonight to become the next chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
Until just this week, it seemed like Martinez Fischer of San Antonio would be reelected to the role. Democrats weren’t all happy with how he had led the caucus the last two years, but leading the minority is a hard role to play. Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos of Richardson said the progressive caucus would be backing Rep. John Bryant of Dallas.
But Martinez Fischer’s chances changed Monday evening when Wu of Houston entered the race.
At voting time, Bryant was eliminated first. Down to Wu and Martinez Fischer, Bryant swung his support to fellow progressive caucus member Wu, who pulled ahead 35-24. However, Martinez Fischer dropped out to make the vote unanimous.
When Wu and Martinez Fischer emerged from the room where the caucus votes were counted, Martinez Fischer was smiling and jovial. Wu was stone-faced. And despite his case for more public-facing communication, Wu declined to say anything to The Blast. All he confirmed is that he “thinks” he’ll be the next caucus chair.
However, Wu returned with a statement later:
“I am honored to have received the support and trust of my colleagues. I look forward to working for the members of the Texas HDC to ensure that they each have the tools and support they need to pass meaningful legislation for their districts and fight for everyday Texans who deserve a fair shot and a voice in the Legislature.
“As I have stated from the beginning, I see victory only when we all win. I am excited to see what Texas House Democrats can do together in the upcoming Legislative Session.”
The progressive caucus played a role in Wu’s victory, but support from Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston showed his broader appeal.
“I wish Chairman Wu all the success and I look forward to continuing to work with him and all the members of the House Democratic Caucus,” Martinez Fischer said in a statement to The Blast.
The caucus also elected its other leaders: First vice chair: Mihaela Plesa of Plano
of Plano Second vice chair: Ron Reynolds of Missouri City
of Missouri City Treasurer: Christian Manuel of Beaumont
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Pro-Cook freshman: “I don’t think either” has the votes During the Tribune’s 2025 Lege preview today, Rep.-elect Don McLaughlin, R-Uvalde, gave us a glimpse into the mind of a freshman member trying to navigate the civil war within the Texas House GOP.
McLaughlin is supporting Rep. David Cook in his challenge against House Speaker Dade Phelan. However, he noted that members should keep an open mind on the candidates and not “drag this out for a month, a month and a half.”
“Right now, I don’t think either candidate has the votes to pass,” McLaughlin said. “I don’t think they have the majority of the votes. I don’t think David has them. I don’t think Speaker Phelan has them right now to get that path.”
That’s obvious to anyone who’s been following the race. But members haven’t come out and said that, particularly those who’ve publicly chosen a side.
“I’m going to support and work with anybody that’s sitting in the position,” McLaughlin said, adding he would do what’s right for his district and the state.
On a separate panel, Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, confirmed reporting from Scott Braddock and the Tribune that some Republicans have been reaching out to Democrats as part of the speaker’s race wages on. However, she wouldn’t name names.
“Even the folks who are like, ‘Oh, my goodness, we don’t want to work with Democrats’ have been reaching out to Democrats,” she said.
Elsewhere in Austin, Phelan chief of staff Mike Toomey announced several changes that Phelan intends to make next year, according to The Texans’ Brad Johnson. Committee appointments will come in January and he’ll refer 1,000 bills to committee on Day 1. Additionally, he said he’d like to restrict the use of points of order regarding bill analyses, one of the tools Democrats used to scuttle major legislation last year.
Toomey’s remarks came at a Professional Advocacy Association of Texas panel he shared with Robert Black, Gov. Greg Abbott’s chief of staff, and Darrell Davila, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s chief of staff.
Back at the Tribune’s Lege preview, Rep.-elect Mitch Little, R-Denton, said it was too little too late.
“Why is the speaker not advancing these reforms until today? Why wasn’t he doing it nine months ago when we wrote the Contract With Texas?” Little asked. Toomey “didn’t say forget the leadership. That’s the part that remains unfixed.”
GOP caucus proposes speaker term limits, majority party control, parliamentarian rules, impeachment guidelines A Texas House Republican Caucus panel called to review the House rules wants to codify that the majority party should control all committees and limit the speaker to two terms.
The report, finalized yesterday, makes 14 other recommendations to House rules and three for the housekeeping resolution. It comes just ahead of the THRC meeting, where the initial votes in the battle for the speakership and House procedure will take place.
The subcommittee, called by THRC Chair Tom Oliverson of Cypress, is led by Cody Vasut of Angleton. Also on the subcommittee are Cecil Bell Jr. of Magnolia, Briscoe Cain of Deer Park, Richard Hayes of Denton, Gary Gates of Richmond, Jared Patterson of Frisco, Mike Schofield of Katy, John Smithee of Amarillo and Tony Tinderholt of Arlington.
That puts House Speaker Dade Phelan at a disadvantage when it comes to the panel’s recommendations. Everyone involved but Patterson is supporting David Cook of Mansfield in the speaker’s race. Cook doesn’t claim Gates publicly, but he was one of the two who “confidentially” supported Cook in the original 48.
Regarding term limits, the panel fears the two term limits for speaker could run afoul of the Texas Constitution. Plus, it may not be enforceable, because House rules don’t automatically roll over year over year. Still, they recommend trying it out to see what happens.
Another rule would put the parliamentarian’s employment up to a majority of the House, or committee on which they serve. It also includes a provision for removing the parliamentarian.
The final rule would define disorderly conduct, censure, expulsion and impeachment and set guidelines for such resolutions. The changes include requiring the House General Investigating Committee first determine if there is probable cause to support punishment before going forward with such a resolution.
Below is the list of recommendations: Majority party chairs, committees and speaker pro tempore Speaker term limit of two terms, even partial terms Reversing the ability of committees to prohibit the public from filming or broadcasting a hearing Motions to vacate the chair would still require 76 members, but a majority of those must come from the majority party Withdrawal of a congratulatory or memorial resolution from the calendar with the support of 20 members Give Texas House precedents priority over congressional precedents when the House rules are silent Repeal of COVID-era rules, except rules about calling the House into session Mandatory overruling of hyper-technical points of order, eliminate points of order on “background and purpose” and allowing members to append additional information to a bill analysis to fix problems raised in points of order Points of order submitted in writing before a bill is taken up Make motions for the previous question a privileged motion that doesn’t require the consent of the speaker Codify that amendments to sunset bills are timely if filed within 24 hours before a bill was first placed on the calendar or 24 hours before the time a bill is taken up after being postponed Allow amendments reversing Senate floor amendments to Senate bills Limit to one parliamentarian, who is confirmed by a majority and can be removed by three-fifths majority No postponing a bill more than three times, with some exceptions House General Investigating Committee rules The Texan’s Brad Johnson was the first with the report.
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Wesley Hunt on the table for DOD U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt is a contender to be the next secretary of defense if President-elect Donald Trump’s first pick falls through, according to a source familiar with the transition team’s thinking.
Hunt met with the Trump transition team a week before Election Day and was vetted for the nomination in the fall. He is among a list of potential nominees on reserve in case Pete Hegseth, Trump’s first pick, withdraws from the running. Hegseth faces allegations of abusing women, jeopardizing his nomination. Hegseth is a former Fox News host and veteran.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is another potential contender, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday night.
Hegseth denied Wednesday that he was backing out any time soon. He continued meeting with members of Congress today to defend his bid.
“I spoke to the president-elect this morning. He said, ‘Keep going, keep fighting. I’m behind you all the way.’” Hegseth told CBS News. “Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter. I’m here for the fighters. This is personal and passionate for me.”
Hunt is a diehard Trump ally in Congress and campaigned on behalf of Trump this year, leading outreach to Black men. The Houston Republican is a West Point alumnus and served as an Army captain. Trump endorsed him in the crowded 2022 GOP primary for the newly created 38th Congressional District, giving him a comfortable majority and avoiding a runoff.
House Republicans have reservations about Trump appointing too many of their peers to cabinet positions. Republicans won 220 seats this year while Democrats won 215, meaning each seat is crucial to maintaining a ruling majority. So far, the GOP is set to lose three seats thanks to Trump’s poaching.
— Matthew Choi
Business DOGE and DOGE Caucus It feels “government efficiency” is in the air after President-elect Donald Trump tapped Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a Department of Government Efficiency effort. Today, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he’s tapping Glenn Hamer and Jeff Burdett to review government efficiency as it relates to small-business owners and entrepreneurs.
Hamer is the CEO of the Texas Association of Business and Burdett is the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. Together, they’ll co-chair what Abbott is calling the Small Business Freedom Council.
In a letter to state agency heads, Abbott said agencies are to report their findings to his office by Jan. 13, the day before session. Hamer and Burdett will review the recommendations after that.
“I ask that you identify any rules, permits, fees, or regulations in your agency that may hamper small business formation, operation, and growth,” Abbott directed agency heads in a letter today.
The Small Business Freedom Council isn’t explicitly “DOGE.” However, the Texas Ethics Commission now lists a legislative caucus called the “D.O.G.E. Caucus” chaired by state Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park. Cain didn’t confirm any details about the caucus to The Blast.
“I want in!” says state Rep.-elect Hillary Hickland, R-Belton.
Join us for “Is justice served? Legislative intervention and the death penalty” in downtown Austin or online at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
In October, two state representatives on the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee — Chair Joe Moody, D-El Paso, and Jeff Leach, R-Plano — used an unprecedented intervention to temporarily spare the life of death row inmate Robert Roberson just before he was scheduled to be executed.
We’ll talk with Moody and Leach about their efforts to permanently avoid Roberson’s execution and their concerns about the science underlying the case.
The Tribune’s general assignment reporter Kayla Guo, who extensively covered the legislative and legal battles around Roberson’s scheduled execution, will moderate the conversation.
RSVP today
HIDDEN IMAGE The House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee has set a hearing for Friday, Dec. 20, about the “junk science” provision.
Next week: The House Administration Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Monday. View the list of upcoming meeting notices here and here.
HIDDEN IMAGE Rep. David Cook will hold a fundraiser at The Austin Club on Tuesday. He is running for House speaker.
will hold a fundraiser at The Austin Club on Tuesday. He is running for House speaker. The Senate Democratic Caucus will hold its fundraiser at The Austin Club on Dec. 12.
Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones jumped into the race for San Antonio mayor today. The former U.S. Air Force under secretary ran for Congress against Will Hurd in 2018 and Tony Gonzales in 2020 and launched the Find Out PAC this year targeting Texas Supreme Court Justices Jimmy Blacklock, John Devine and Jane Bland. City Council member Melissa Cabello Havrda also jumped in today, making more than a half dozen serious candidates. City Council member John Courage already bowed out. Molly Smith of the San Antonio Express-News had it first.
HIDDEN IMAGE The U.S. Senate yesterday passed Sen. Ted Cruz ’s Take it Down Act, a bill he introduced with Amy Klobuchar , D-Minnesota, to make it illegal to publish “deepfake revenge pornography.” Sen. Cory Booker , D-New Jersey, blocked passage of the bill back in September, as Cruz was touting his bipartisan bona fides ahead of reelection. Booker’s move led Cruz to accuse Booker of playing politics. Now, the bill heads to the House.
’s Take it Down Act, a bill he introduced with , D-Minnesota, to make it illegal to publish “deepfake revenge pornography.” Sen. , D-New Jersey, blocked passage of the bill back in September, as Cruz was touting his bipartisan bona fides ahead of reelection. Booker’s move led Cruz to accuse Booker of playing politics. Now, the bill heads to the House. One thing we missed over the break: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard, accusing them of conspiring to constrict the coal market. “BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street formed a cartel to rig the coal market, artificially reduce the energy supply, and raise prices,” Paxton said. The Buzbee Law Firm is serving as outside counsel on that case.
HIDDEN IMAGE Do you or someone in your office have a new job you’d like mentioned? Email us. Tara Pohlmeyer , communications director to U.S. Rep. Greg Casar , D-Austin, will be the next communications director for the Texas AFL-CIO. Ed Sills will retire on Dec. 20 after 31 years in the job, and Pohlmeyer will begin Jan. 7.
, communications director to U.S. Rep. , D-Austin, will be the next communications director for the Texas AFL-CIO. will retire on Dec. 20 after 31 years in the job, and Pohlmeyer will begin Jan. 7. Gov. Greg Abbott appointed the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s David Dunmoyer to the Texas Judicial Council and reappointed Crow Holdings’ Kevin Bryant . Their terms are set to expire in June 2029.
appointed the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s to the Texas Judicial Council and reappointed Crow Holdings’ . Their terms are set to expire in June 2029. The governor appointed Nathan Callicoatte of Mertzon to the Upper Colorado River Authority Board of Directors and reappointed Tanner Mahan and Kathryn Mews , both of Menard. Their terms are set to expire in February 2029.
of Mertzon to the Upper Colorado River Authority Board of Directors and reappointed and , both of Menard. Their terms are set to expire in February 2029. Abbott appointed Dr. Divyansu Patel of Austin to the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee for a term set to expire on Feb. 1.
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HIDDEN IMAGE HIDDEN IMAGE
HIDDEN IMAGE Do you or someone in your office have a birthday you’d like mentioned? Email us.
(Dec. 5) State Rep. Ray Lopez, D-San Antonio
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