This Fort Worth-area state lawmaker is running for speaker of the Texas House

State Rep. David Cook, who represents part of North Texas, is running for Speaker of the House.

He joins two fellow Republicans that have announced bids for the seat amid criticism of current House Speaker Dade Phelan’s leadership in the lower chamber from some Republicans.

The announcement also follows a contentious legislative session in 2023 and primary season in the months after, which Cook made note of in a letter announcing his bid.

The letter was reported by a reporter for The Texas, a conservative news outlet, on X, formerly called Twitter. A copy of the letter sent to Republican lawmakers and candidates on Tuesday was later obtained by the Star-Telegram.

“The current state of the Republican caucus is of grave concern,” Cook said in the letter. “Internal strife threatens to weaken our leadership and distract us from the work we were elected to do.”

Cook, who is from Mansfield, previously served as the city’s mayor from 2008 to 2021. He joined the House in 2021.

Also running for the leadership role is Rep. Tom Oliverson of Cypress and Rep. Shelby Slawson of Stephenville.

They’ll challenge Phelan, who was first elected as speaker in 2021.

Some members of the Republican Party have criticized Phelan’s handling of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment proceedings and his appointment of Democrats as committee chairs. Past Republican speakers have also had Democrats lead House committees, but in recent years, there’s been a push to stop the practice.

Cook in his letter said it’s time for leadership to better reflect the will of the majority party. Republicans make up most of the Texas House.

“This includes a shift to a Republican committee chair model,” Cook said. “However, Democratic members will still have the opportunity to work their bills and see them considered fairly, as preserving the rights of the minority party remains part of facilitating the orderly transaction of business in the Texas House.”

Cook said he’d “ensure that the House runs efficiently, with clear and frequent communication to all Members.

“My presence and engagement will reflect the deep commitment I hold to each of you and the people of Texas,” he said in the letter.

Cook’s district includes a small part of Fort Worth, as well as parts of Arlington, Burleson and Mansfield.

Phelan’s office declined to comment on Cook’s Tuesday announcement.