February 23, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
It’s not often that Democrats cheer when a Republican gets elected. It’s even less often that Democrats jump at the chance to participate in electing said Republican.
But both of these things happened just a few weeks ago in the Chamber of the Texas House of Representatives in Austin.
How did we get here… A Republican-majority Texas House seemingly hijacked and coerced by the minority party. Just weeks earlier, the Texas House Republican Caucus had already chosen its nominee for Speaker. But in a stunning turn of events, that decision was overruled—by a coalition of Democrats and a minority of Republicans.
In our latest mini-documentary Hijacked? coming out February 26, we explore how Democrats hand-picked the 3rd most powerful political position in the State of Texas, the Speaker of the Texas House.
Check out the preview below!
Featured
After it was revealed that he helped craft controversial House rules that expanded Democrat power in the Texas House, Democrat lawyer Hugh Brady was not reappointed as parliamentarian by Speaker Dustin Burrows this session.
However, recent revelations show that Brady is still advising the Texas House under a new title: “parliamentary counsel.”
According to his updated LinkedIn description, Brady’s responsibilities include serving as the House’s legal adviser on constitutional and legislative procedures and advising the speaker, members, committees, officers, and employees.
Brady, a longtime Democrat operative, has been a fixture in the Texas House since 2019, when he was appointed parliamentarian by former Speaker Dennis Bonnen. He previously served as general counsel for the White House Office of Administration under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017 and as parliamentarian for the Travis County Democrat Party.
Real Texans
On this week's REAL TEXANS episode, you'll meet Michelle Evans. She talks about her path from being the mom of a special needs child to an advocate for parental rights and medical freedom. Now, she is the chair of one of Texas’ largest county political parties.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
State
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Exposes Illicit Lottery Ticket Reseller After $83M Jackpot Win
Illicit lottery ticket resellers operating in Texas call themselves couriers to circumvent the letter and spirit of the law governing the lottery.
House Records Reveal Lawmakers’ Taxpayer-Funded News Sources
Newly obtained records provide a closer look at the news sources Texas lawmakers are using taxpayer funds to subscribe to.
State Sen. Middleton Files Measure to Ban Taxpayer-funded Lobbying
Ending the practice is one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s top priorities for the 89th legislative session.
Local
Houston NGOs Layoff Workers as White House Halts Funding To Illegal Aliens
Both Catholic Charities and YMCA have laid off hundreds of Houston employees who provided services to illegal aliens.
New Caney ISD Teacher, Coach Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Sex With Student
Samantha Cummings had sex with a 17-year-old female student at New Caney High School.
Jim Davis Named Interim President of UT Austin
Davis was appointed by the UT System chancellor under the recommendation of the Board of Regents.
Federal
Trump’s USDA Exploring Federal Solution to Ban China from Buying US Farmland
Senators in Texas passed a ban on such purchases in 2023, but the effort ultimately failed in the Texas House.
Biden-era Climate Change Regulation Blocked in Texas
Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Biden administration in December 2023 to stop a federal rule that attempted to place “unlawful” climate change regulations on states.
UT Austin Cancels Federal Grant Agreement With Planned Parenthood of Illinois
Congressman Chip Roy questioned the university about the funding agreement last month.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join the conversation with Texas Scorecard on any or all of our social media accounts!
The Texas Scorecard Journalism Fellowship is a comprehensive program designed for conservative Texans under the age of 25 with an interest in public policy, effective civic engagement, political accountability, and Texas history.
