Texas will have a new House Speaker in 2021, if not before then. House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced Tuesday morning that he will not seek reelection for his House seat, HD 25. The announcement also means that he will not be Speaker in 2021.

In his statement, Bonnen said it was clear he could no longer seek reelection:

“After much prayer, consultation, and thoughtful consideration with my family, it is clear that I can no longer seek re-election as State Representative of District 25, and subsequently, as Speaker of the House.”

You can read House Speaker Dennis Bonnen's full statement below.

BonnenStatement
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The announcement comes after the release of audio that was secretly recorded by Michael Quinn Sullivan of Empower Texans. Sullivan recorded a meeting between himself, Speaker Dennis Bonnen, and Rep. Dustin Burrows.

In the audio, Bonnen is heard offering media credentials to Sullivan's team in exchange for only targeting select Republicans in primary races. Bonnen is also heard in the audio disparaging House members. Both Bonnen and Burrows came under fire last week for comments made about "cites and counties."

According to the Texas Tribune, more than 30 House members have called on Bonnen to resign. However, in his statement, Bonnen does not step aside as Speaker.

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