Texas politics saw a dramatic split-screen moment recently: within hours of President Donald Trump endorsing Speaker Dustin Burrows (R–Lubbock) for re-election, former Speaker Dade Phelan (R–Beaumont) announced he would not seek another term.

The back-to-back events highlight the stark contrast between two speakerships — one marked by betrayal of gun owners, and the other by a sweeping turnaround.

Burrows Earns Trump’s Blessing

Burrows has never been the darling of the GOP grassroots.

Many still view him skeptically, a “Democratic speaker” in disguise. But the numbers don’t lie: during the 89th Legislative Session, 37 Republican Party of Texas priority bills passed — far more than under Phelan or his predecessors.

But it was the passage of “school choice” and the “Big Beautiful Map” that earned Burrows’ the highest praise from President Trump.

“Thanks to Dustin’s strong and effective Leadership of the Texas House, the incredible people of Texas will have the opportunity to elect five more Republicans to Congress…” Trump said. “Dustin Burrows has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election, as Speaker, and to House District 83 — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump continued.

But none of the victories being considered by Trump — or the Republican Party of Texas — include the major victories for gun owners, which were secured with the help of Texas Gun Rights, such as:

• Banning red flag gun confiscation laws.
• Decriminalizing short-barreled firearms.
• Ending the foster parent gun registry.
• Prohibiting municipal gun “buybacks.”

For pro-gun Texans, Burrows’ tenure has already delivered a 180-degree shift from the days of Dade Phelan.

Phelan’s Mixed Legacy

Phelan’s first session as speaker in 2021 looked strong on the surface.

Constitutional Carry finally passed, giving Texans the right to carry without government permission.

He also oversaw passage of the Second Amendment Sanctuary bill and a so-called “Made in Texas” suppressor law aimed at pushing back against federal regulations. 

However, both measures were riddled with problems — and the suppressor bill has actually put unsuspecting gun owners at risk of violating federal law.

But make no mistake: these victories were not Phelan’s doing. 

They were the result of years of Texas Gun Rights members pounding on the doors of the Capitol and making Constitutional Carry the top election issue in Texas.

Phelan was cornered. 

After years of Speakers’ Bonnen and Straus killing the bill, he couldn’t afford another betrayal. After all, he was closely tied to both administrations. 

And with COVID paranoia still gripping Democrats and lobbyists — many too scared to even open their offices — grassroots activists had a clearer path than ever to force the issue through.

By 2023, however, the air had gone out of the room. Phelan and much of the Legislature acted as if their “job was done” on the Second Amendment.

Instead of advancing gun rights, they passed gun control with SB 728 — codifying portions of Joe Biden & John Cornyn’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into Texas law by expanding the NICS gun ban registry.

It was a gut punch for Texas gun owners.

Burrows’ Course Correction

That mistake was not repeated under Burrows. His speakership marked a course correction — with gun owners back at the center of the fight.

When Briscoe Cain’s HB 162 to ban red flag confiscation was being quietly killed in the House State Affairs Committee, it was Burrows’ leadership team, including Rep. Cole Hefner, who rescued the issue by carrying the Senate’s version across the finish line.

For the first time, Texas law now explicitly blocks red flag confiscation schemes, a pre-emptive strike against Biden’s anti-gun agenda.

These wins proved that Burrows wasn’t simply holding the line — he was helping to push it forward.

Still Work To Be Done

Still, Texas Gun Rights is making one thing clear: the fight is far from finished.

Burrows’ successes don’t mean the Legislature is fixed, or that future betrayals won’t come. 

The gun control lobby isn’t going away. In fact, they’ve doubled down — and weak Republicans remain a constant threat.

But for the first time in years, the momentum is once again on the side of gun owners. 

Texas Gun Rights has built not just outside pressure, but real working relationships inside the Capitol to ensure pro-gun voices can’t be ignored.

It will take constant vigilance — of Democrats and Republicans alike — to ensure the victories keep coming and to defeat every attempt to advance gun control in future sessions. 

That means reining in so-called “gun-free zones,” passing a strong Second Amendment Preservation Act, and eliminating taxes on firearms, ammunition, and accessories.

“Gun owners cannot afford to sit back and think the fight is over,” said Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights. “We’ve won major victories, but the battle is far from finished. Our mission is clear: dismantle gun-free zones, pass a true Second Amendment Preservation Act, and eliminate every tax on firearms, ammo, and accessories. Texans deserve nothing less than full restoration of their God-given right to keep and bear arms.”

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