Lubbock is sending three incumbent Republicans back to Austin. Carl Tepper expects a very different job when they get there.
State Sen. Charles Perry and state Reps. Dustin Burrows and Carl Tepper all won reelection, keeping the local delegation intact as Democrats won control of the Texas House.
But will Burrows keep the speaker’s gavel?
Asked whether his fellow Lubbock Republican could remain speaker under a Democratic majority, Tepper’s first assessment was blunt.
“Doubtful.”
Then he left the door open.
“Never count Dustin out, I’ll tell you that.”
Carl Tepper
The mix of doubt and determination in Tepper’s voice captured the uncertainty facing Lubbock. Its Republican lawmakers won their races. Now they must figure out how to get things done in a changed Capitol.
For Lubbock and Texas Tech, keeping experienced lawmakers means keeping people who know the region, know the Capitol and already have relationships they can call on. Tepper sees reason for confidence.
“We’re still situated very well,” he said of Lubbock’s position in the Texas House.
Republicans retained control of the Texas Senate. In the House, the new majority makes January’s speaker election one of the first tests of where Lubbock’s influence goes from here.
How control changes in Austin
| Chamber | Before election | After election* |
|---|---|---|
| Texas House 150 seats | 86 Republicans 62 Democrats 2 vacant | 67 Republicans 83 Democrats |
| Texas Senate 31 seats | 18 Republicans 12 Democrats 1 vacant | 19 Republicans 12 Democrats |
What the speaker’s race means for Lubbock
Tepper praised Burrows for bringing teamwork and energy to a divided Republican House caucus.
“He built a whole new coalition,” Tepper said.
That praise came with a practical concern: a new speaker could change where Lubbock’s lawmakers serve and how they build support for local priorities.
Under existing House rules, the speaker appoints committee members and leaders and refers bills to committees. That matters because committees decide which proposals get a hearing and which move toward a vote. For Lubbock and Texas Tech, those decisions can shape the path of legislation affecting the region.
Tepper expects his own committee assignments to change, whoever holds the gavel.
“Oh, it’s gonna affect it,” he said.
Tepper expected Burrows to shuffle committee assignments anyway.
“I’m sure Speaker Burrows was gonna change it up,” he said.
His hope is to keep working in areas where he can put his experience to use.
“And we wanna continue using that expertise,” Tepper said, “in those respective committees.”
‘Nobody messes with Mrs. T’
When the conversation turned to a possible successor, Tepper discussed Houston Democrat Senfronia Thompson, who announced her candidacy for speaker on election night.
He described a veteran lawmaker with supporters across different Democratic factions.
“Nobody messes with Mrs. T,” he said.
Tepper’s assessment was qualified, but favorable.
“There are worse things than Senfronia Thompson, I’ll tell you that,” he said.
He made clear he was not committing his vote.
“I’m not endorsing anyone,” Tepper said.
And even with Burrows’ speakership in question, Tepper expects him to remain a leader for House Republicans.
The relationships Lubbock can build on
Tepper also talked about Tom Sell, who is headed to Congress. He sees Sell’s agricultural experience and relationships with both parties as advantages for West Texas.
“He’s worked with all sides,” Tepper said.
Those connections drew criticism during the campaign, he said. Looking ahead, Tepper believes they could help Sell work with the people whose support West Texas will need.
Back in Austin, Tepper is counting on relationships of his own.
He described lawmakers who fight over bills during the day and have dinner together afterward. Knowing colleagues’ families and the problems in their districts helps keep those disagreements from becoming the whole relationship.
“My biggest surprise when I was a freshman was how well I got along with my Democratic colleagues,” he said.
Roads and water were among the concerns he mentioned as common ground. Those needs will still be there when the new Legislature meets.
“I’m now really glad I have those relationships,” Tepper said.
Keeping three experienced lawmakers gives Lubbock a place to start. The question is whether they can turn those connections into support for the region’s priorities. Tepper offered a cautious reason for optimism.
“Maybe we’ll be able to move some legislation that Lubbock needs,” he said, “even though we’re gonna be the minority party.”
Listen to the full Carl Tepper interview and see Lubbock and West Texas election results.
