The Lone Star State has a new political leader poised to shape its legislative agenda: Representative Dustin Burrows of Lubbock has been elected as the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. This selection places him at the helm of one of the most powerful and influential political institutions in the state, where he will guide the direction of policy and oversee legislative priorities during what promises to be a pivotal session.

Dustin Burrows: A Profile in Leadership

Dustin Burrows, a Republican, represents District 83, encompassing parts of Lubbock and surrounding communities in West Texas. First elected in 2014, Burrows quickly rose through the ranks in the Texas Legislature, earning a reputation as a pragmatic and disciplined policymaker. His legal background, including his work as an attorney in Lubbock, has helped shape his methodical approach to legislation.

As a long-standing member of the House, Burrows has held significant influence for some time, from chairing the powerful House Calendars Committee, where he set the daily agenda for items to be voted on in the chamber, to chairing the House Ways and Means Committee, where he focused on taxation and economic policy. In that role, he championed property tax reform—a perennial concern for Texans—and worked to ensure that the state’s tax policies supported business growth while providing relief to homeowners. His leadership extended to steering negotiations on critical pieces of legislation, including those aimed at fostering economic development and improving infrastructure.

Burrows is also known for his advocacy on agricultural issues, reflecting the needs of his largely rural district. From supporting drought resilience initiatives to bolstering rural healthcare access, he has consistently emphasized policies that benefit Texas’ farming and ranching communities. His legislative record reveals a focus on ensuring that Texas’ economic prosperity extends to all corners of the state.

The Significance of His Speakership

As Speaker, Burrows inherits significant responsibilities. The Texas House of Representatives serves as a crucible for debate on key issues ranging from public education to energy policy. In this role, Burrows will control the flow of legislation, appoint committee chairs, and navigate a diverse political landscape within the House, which includes an increasingly vocal minority party and a variety of ideological factions within his own Republican caucus.

Burrows’ election signals a continuation of the conservative policy priorities that have defined recent sessions, but his leadership style suggests a focus on achieving consensus and maintaining order in a politically charged environment. Known for his ability to bridge divides within the Republican Party, Burrows’ pragmatic approach could help the House address divisive issues within the Republican majority while maintaining legislative productivity among his broad coalition.

What to Expect in the 2025 Texas Legislative Session

The upcoming session is expected to tackle several pressing issues, with Burrows at the center of the action:

1. Property Tax Reform

Burrows has long championed property tax relief, and as Speaker, he is likely to prioritize measures aimed at reducing the property tax burden on Texans. Expect continued efforts to provide direct relief to homeowners and to reform appraisal processes.

2. Public Education

School finance reform remains a critical issue, with debates likely to focus on teacher pay, school funding formulas, and voucher programs. Burrows has expressed a commitment to ensuring that public education remains adequately funded while exploring options to expand parental choice.

3. Energy and Water Infrastructure

As Texas grapples with the challenges of grid reliability and water infrastructure modernization, Burrows’ leadership will be critical in shaping policies to ensure the state’s energy and water consumer needs are met sustainably and securely.

4. Healthcare Access

In rural areas, the lack of healthcare resources continues to be a major concern. The House’s filed version of the state budget suggests he may support initiatives aimed at expanding rural healthcare access.

5. Border Security

With border issues remaining a priority for Texas lawmakers, Burrows is expected to back efforts to allocate additional resources for border enforcement and address the impact of immigration policies on the state.

Challenges Ahead

Despite his reputation for pragmatism, Burrows faces significant challenges. The Texas House is often a battleground for competing interests, as well as managing the personalities of 150 Representatives and the internal divisions within the Republican Party will test his leadership skills. Additionally, the relationship between the House and the Senate—namely Lt. Governor Dan Patrick—and with Governor Greg Abbott will play a crucial role in determining the success of his legislative agenda.

In a state as dynamic and diverse as Texas, the Speaker’s ability to balance competing priorities while fostering collaboration will be essential. Dustin Burrows has the experience and the political acumen to navigate these complexities, but the true test of his speakership will lie in his ability to deliver results that resonate with Texans across the state.

As the 2025 legislative session picks up speed, all eyes will be on Speaker Burrows and his vision for the future of Texas. His leadership marks a new chapter for the House, one that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Lone Star State for years to come.

About the Authors

Katie Fillmore (Austin, TX) is a Partner for Michael Best & Friedrich LLP who focuses on litigation, as well as government relations for Michael Best Strategies. 

Matthew Cooksey* (Austin, TX) is a Policy Advisor for Michael Best Strategies focusing on legislative and regulatory government advocacy. *Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law