Majority of incoming Texas House Republicans calls for end to Democratic committee chairs, narrowing path for Phelan

House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, gavels the House into session on the House floor during session at the state Capitol in Austin on April 11, 2023. (Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune)

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A group of 46 Republican House members and nominees pledged Friday to only back a speaker next session who commits to ending the tradition of appointing Democratic committee chairs — a move that narrows the path to the gavel for House Speaker Dade Phelan, who has vowed to continue the longstanding practice.