AUSTIN — The 89th legislative session began Tuesday with members of the Texas House electing Rep. Dustin Burrows as their new speaker after a month-long divisive battle among Republicans. Burrows won the speaker's race by a vote of 85-55.

AUSTIN — Texas House lawmakers elected Republican Rep. Dustin Burrows as speaker Tuesday, shortly after the Legislature’s 89th regular session began.

Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, was elected speaker of the Texas House on Tuesday, concluding a bitter and intense power struggle within the Republican Party that came down to an extraordinary floor vote to decide who would fill one of the most powerful positions in state government.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who heads the Texas Senate, opposed Burrows’ run for Speaker. He has since released a statement saying both the house and senate are required to pass legislation and he’s “counting” on Burrows to pass conservative legislation.

A leader who learned to keep promises, a chance at chairing committees, and what they see as more chances for a fairer playing field.

Will Texas House Republicans pay for supporting Dustin Burrows for speaker? Passage of conservative priorities could remove the sting for primary voters

Dustin Burrows is elected Speaker of the Texas House, signaling potential bipartisanship in addressing state issues.

Lubbock republican Dustin Burrows was elected speaker of the Texas House of Representatives on Tuesday. Here’s a timeline of the lawmaker’s political career, and how he got to the gavel. Dustin Burrows was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in November of 2014,

Texas Rep. Jared Patterson of Frisco discusses why Dustin Burrows is the right person for the Texas House Speaker.