Join The Transient, The Texas Tribune’s each day e-newsletter that retains readers on top of things on essentially the most important Texas information.
This text was tailored from our premium politics e-newsletter, The Blast, which delivers unique reporting, nonpartisan evaluation and the primary phrase on political strikes throughout the state. Subscribe at this time.
Making the case for higher “external communication,” Gene Wu defeated incumbent Trey Martinez Fischer on Thursday to develop into the following chair of the Texas Home Democratic Caucus.
Till simply this week, it appeared like Martinez Fischer of San Antonio can be reelected to the position. Democrats weren’t all proud of the route of the caucus the final two years, however main the minority is a tough position to play. On Monday, Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos of Richardson mentioned the progressive caucus can be backing Rep. John Bryant of Dallas, who entered the race final week.
However Martinez Fischer’s probabilities modified Monday night when Wu of Houston entered the race.
Wu, a former Harris County prosecutor who shall be coming into his seventh time period within the Legislature, has been an antagonistic critic of Republicans, each on the Home flooring and on social media. He’s trolled Republicans on X and posted each day video updates from the legislative session on Reddit, typically with a glass of whiskey on show.
An professional on household regulation and juvenile justice, Wu immigrated from China at a younger age and has been a outstanding chief for Home Democrats on immigration points. He gave a viral speech on the Home flooring in opposition to Texas’ “sanctuary cities” ban in 2017 and arranged in opposition to a invoice final yr to ban brokers from and authorities of hostile international nations, together with China, from shopping for Texas land.
Wu will lead the caucus throughout a very tumultuous time for the minority celebration. Home Democrats misplaced two members within the November election, and are additional wounded after Republicans loved widespread assist up and down the poll in Texas and nationwide. This session Home Democrats may have weakened forces as they attempt to fend off Gov. Greg Abbott’s push to cross common college vouchers, a measure that may permit public funds for use towards non-public college and homeschooling.
When the Legislature convenes in January, Republicans will management 88 seats whereas Democrats will management 62, their weakest place since after the 2016 election.
An important Texas information,
despatched weekday mornings.
Throughout Thursday evening’s closed-door assembly, Bryant was eradicated first. All the way down to Wu and Martinez Fischer, Bryant swung his assist to fellow progressive caucus member Wu, who pulled forward 35-24, in keeping with sources with information of the vote. Nevertheless, Martinez Fischer dropped out to make the vote unanimous.
“I am honored to have received the support and trust of my colleagues,” Wu mentioned in an announcement. “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,” he added. “I am excited to see what Texas House Democrats can do together in the upcoming Legislative Session.”
The progressive caucus performed a job in Wu’s victory, however throughout the closed-door nomination course of, assist from longtime Home Democrats Rep. Donna Howard of Austin and Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston confirmed his broader attraction. These in favor of Wu had form phrases for Martinez Fischer, however wished a change in the established order.
Martinez Fischer was elected chair forward of the 2023 common session. Throughout his tenure, Democrats made efficient use of the Home guidelines, killing a number of Republican priorities on technicalities. The caucus additionally partnered with rural Republicans to dam training financial savings accounts, a precedence of Gov. Greg Abbott.
“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 mentioned in an announcement to the Tribune.
The caucus additionally elected its different leaders: Mihaela Plesa of Plano as first vice chair, Ron Reynolds of Missouri Metropolis as second vice chair and Christian Manuel of Beaumont as treasurer.
