Paddie files for Texas House Speakership

Texas State Representative Chris Paddie (R-Marshall) announced last Thursday that he has filed for the Texas State House Speakership. The House will vote for a new speaker when the Legislature convenes in January for its 87th legislative session where it will tackle redistricting and several other issues next year.

Representing House District 9, which includes Cass, Marion and Panola Counties, Paddie chairs the Energy Resources Committee and sits on the Licensing and Administrative Procedures and Redistricting Committees.

Paddie, who has served since 2013 and is unopposed in the 2020 general election, wrote, “Today I filed my paperwork to become a candidate for Speaker of the Texas House.”

“It’s time for the House to make a new beginning — one that is built on trust among colleagues, a fair and transparent process, and most importantly, a commitment among all members to faithfully and effectively represent their constituents,” he said. “I believe the members of the Texas House are ready to rise to the challenge of this unique moment in history, and it would be my honor to provide leadership and support for all members as we address the challenges that confront our state”, Paddie wrote.

Also running for the Texas House Speakership are Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) and John Cyrier (R-Lockhart) who hope to replace Republican House Speaker Dennis Bonnen. Bonnen is retiring after serving one term.

Paddie, a former mayor and city commissioner of Marshall, is a member of the Texas Conservative Coalition, a vice-chair of the Texas Energy Caucus, vice-chair of the Young Texans Legislative Caucus, a member of the Rural Caucus and the Texas Tourism Caucus.