Representative Gene Wu Elected House Democratic Caucus Chair

House Democrats prepare to fight back in 2025.

When we discussed the leadership race within the Texas House Democratic Caucus on Monday, it was between Representative Trey Martinez-Fischer (D-HD116) and Representative John Bryant (D-HD114). By Tuesday, Representative Gene Wu (D-HD137) had entered the race.

Last night, the House Democratic Caucus met to cast their vote. The Caucus chose Wu to lead them in the 89th Legislative Session.

Chairing the House Democratic Caucus, especially while in the minority, is a huge job. Trey Martinez-Fischer provided strong leadership for the House Democratic Caucus during the 88th Legislative Session. Known for his experience and determination, he worked hard to represent the values of his Caucus and fight for policies that matter to Texans. His efforts have left a solid foundation for the Caucus as Representative Wu takes the lead.

Aside from Wu winning the Caucus chair:

• Representative Mihaela Pleasa (D-HD70) won Vice Chair.

• Representative Ron Reynolds (D-HD27) won 2nd Vice Chair.

• Representative Christian Manuel (D-HD22) won Treasurer.

The most important question, now: Is the Caucus united?

I think they are. There may have been a few tense moments during the voting process, but nothing out of hand, unlike what we expect from the Republican Caucus meeting on Saturday—more on that in a minute.

Yesterday, several legislators attended “A Preview of the 2025 Legislative Session” with the Texas Tribune. Representative Erin Zwiener (D-HD45) discussed Caucus unity during one of the panels.

She said that on Tuesday evening, she had dinner with Martinez-Fischer, Bryant, and Wu, the three candidates, and that she “had never seen a friendlier dinner with that many people running against each other.” Zwiener said that all three knew the most important thing was that they remain united as a Caucus.

Texas Democrats have consistently proven themselves to be the adults in the room when it comes to the Texas House. While Republicans often find themselves elbows deep in infighting and political theater, Democrats bring a sense of focus and professionalism to their work. They clearly understand the stakes and know the tough odds as the minority party.

On January 14th, the opening day of the 89th Legislative Session, I have no doubt that all 62 House Democrats will show up with their game faces on. They’ll come prepared and determined to fight for their constituents and hold the majority accountable. Expect to see a Caucus united in purpose, with leaders like Gene Wu and Mihaela Pleasa setting the tone for the session.

What does this new slate of House leadership mean for the 2025 Session?

There will be plenty of time to analyze the dynamics and how Democrats will function in the 89th, but I want to highlight Representative Wu’s membership in the Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus.

Maybe it’s not a big deal because there are plenty of House members who are progressive and vote progressively but aren’t in the Legislative Progressive Caucus—like James Talarico or Carol Alvarado. However, it shows that the House Democratic Caucus is leaning toward a more progressive vision for Texas.

We (you and I) talk about the ideological leanings of Texas Democrats a lot, and it’s more than just a label. It’s about the values that Texas Democrats have as a whole. Over these last several years, we’ve seen a massive shift left for blue voters in Texas, and Wu’s win shows the Caucus’ willingness to prioritize issues that resonate with the party’s base.

The 2025 session will undoubtedly test their unity and resolve. Still, House Democrats seem ready to meet the moment and fight for the values their constituents expect them to uphold.

What is the Republican Caucus meeting for on Saturday?

If you remember, back in September, some members of the Republican Caucus met and determined that Representative David Cook (R-HD96) would oppose Speaker Dade Phelan (R-HD21) for Speaker of the House. Well, that hasn’t been going so well. Neither Cook nor Phelan has the votes within the Republican Caucus to synch the vote.

Neither candidate has the 76 Republican votes to win, and there is also the matter of the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) platform:

The RPT wants all Republican members to unite in choosing their Speaker and speaker pro tempore. They are expected to stick together and vote for their preferred candidates as one group. There’s a big fat chance that will not happen.

So, Saturday, the Republican Caucus is meeting to pick who they want as House Speaker again. Rumor is that a third, and maybe a fourth or fifth, Republican will try to secure the 76 votes they need for Speaker.

After the bloody primary season we just saw, there’s no way that Dade Phelan and his crew will cave. Maybe they will if Democrats abstain from voting for Phelan, and they don’t have a choice. The process could go on for days when the session opens, but until the session starts, the anti-Phelan Republicans are counting on Democrats to save him.

What will happen on Saturday? As rabid and unhinged as the current GOP is, don’t be surprised if Saturday’s meeting ends in a shootout. They may or may not have a Speaker choice to run against Phelan, but I would be willing to put money on them not having 76 votes. The Republican chaos in the 89th is going to be monumental. Democrats need to use it against them.

Texas Democrats have been in the minority for a long time, which has given them the experience and grit to stand strong in the face of adversity.

We know what to expect from a Republican-led legislature, and House Democrats know how to push back effectively. Democrats are positioned to hold the majority accountable, amplify progressive ideas, and defend the values that Texans care about.

As we head into the 89th Legislative Session, let’s stay optimistic. Texas Democrats have always been resilient, and this session will be no different. The fight ahead may be tough, but it’s one we know that House Democrats are ready for.

• December 9: House Administration Committee meets to debate rules.

• January 14: The 89th Legislative Session begins.

• March 14: The last day Legislators can file bills.

• June 2: The 89th Legislative Session ends.

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