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.

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

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

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.

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.

Lubbock, was elected speaker of the Texas House with bipartisan support Jan. 14. Burrows replaced Rep. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, as the leader of the 150-member chamber.

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.

The Texas House of Representatives elected Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) as its next speaker of the house. The House voted 85-55 in favor of Burrows over Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield). Nine members did not vote. Burrows' votes came from 46 Democrats and 39 Republicans.

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