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.

Will Texas House Republicans face censure following Speaker vote? Can they legally be removed from primary ballot?

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

Texas has a powerful new House speaker after years of escalating Republican infighting. Dustin Burrows won the job on Tuesday with the support of Democrats who favored him over a challenger backed by the GOP’s emboldened hard right.

The political donations came in the two weeks before the fundraising blackout period tied to the legislative session.

The new speaker’s power over the budget and committee assignments is expected to bolster established Republican leaders and some Democrats who supported the winner.

The hotly contested race for leader of the House divided Texas Republicans and produced threats of political retribution against those who supported

Burrows bested challenger David Cook (R-Mansfield) in a runoff vote on the first day of the Texas Legislature in Austin.

Watch a livestream of the vote for Texas Speaker of the House by clicking the player above. AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) - Members of the 89th Texas legislature will be sworn in Tuesday, and will vote on leadership for the house and senate.

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