Bonnen made the announcement at a press conference at the Capitol.
State Rep. Dennis Bonnen announced Monday that he has support from 109 members to become the next speaker of the Texas House. That number, if it holds, is more than enough votes for him to win the gavel.
The Angleton Republican’s announcement came at a press conference not long after four other speaker candidates — Republicans Tan Parker, Four Price and Phil King, along with Democrat Eric Johnson — dropped out of the race within 48 hours. All four endorsed Bonnen, an outspoken and aggressive member of House leadership in recent years, upon removing their names from consideration. A spokesperson for Bonnen released the list of 109 House members supporting his speaker bid shortly after Monday’s press conference adjourned.
“We are here to let you know the speaker’s race is over, and the Texas House is ready to go to work,” said Bonnen, who was flanked by at least two members of the hardline conservative Texas House Freedom Caucus — Jeff Leach of Plano and Mike Lang of Granbury — and state Rep. Tom Craddick, a Midland Republican and former speaker, among other Republicans and Democrats.
His list of supporters includes a wide range of lawmakers — from hardline conservatives like Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park, to moderates like Rep. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, to Democrats like Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth.