Rep. Tom Oliverson Announces Run for Texas House Speaker

Confirms no Democrat chairs in the House.

Earlier today, Representative Tom Oliverson announced his run at Texas House Speaker.

"House rules have been weaponized to selectively punish individual members."

Rep Oliverson also confirmed what we all know: that fellow members are often ignoring their district and instead following whatever leadership tells them to do.

"Too often members have been compelled to follow leadership rather than their district."

Also confirming the games played in the house, Rep Oliverson stated that members were punished by having their bills killed.

"Delaying or outright killing bills has been used to punish members..."

On the AG Paxton impeachment vote, Rep Oliverson had this to say:

"I believe the secret way in which this (AG Paxton impeachment vote) was handled...was a colossal failure on leadership."

Rep Oliverson also confirmed he does not support Democrat members holding committee chair positions.

Some notable facts on Rep Oliverson:

Wikipedia:

In 2021, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Oliverson called for rescinding rules on mask requirements in the Texas legislature chamber. Public health experts recommended that people use face masks while indoors in public places to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Texas Tribune:

House Resolution 333, by state Rep. Tom Oliverson R-Cypress, rescinded the chamber’s mask requirement which was established in the House rules in February. The resolution was passed in a 99-46 vote.

Rep Oliverson has also been openly strong on border security, voting for bills that strengthened our border.

This is opposite of current Speaker Dade Phelan who did not vote for SB4.

Speaker Dade Phelan’s response: