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Podcast Episode

74: Texas’ Legislative Session Gets Underway Amid GOP Infighting

Baker Briefing··18 July 2026·23 min

About this episode

The 89th Texas legislative session began on Jan. 14 with Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) elected House speaker following a month-long battle among state Republicans. Why was the election so contentious, and how might Burrows’ speakership shape the rest of the session? Political science fellow Mark P. Jones joined Ed Emmett, a Baker Institute colleague and four-term former Texas House member, to discuss the stakes and policy agenda ahead for lawmakers, including school vouchers, property taxes, and the border.