I first ran for the Texas House in 2005 to be a voice for our community and for the principles that I had spent years advancing behind the scenes. It did not occur to me that I would ever become Speaker of the House. (And I’ve learned that it didn’t occur to anyone else, either!)
However, after an unusual and unexpected chain of events, my 149 colleagues chose me to be our presiding officer less than four years later. I’ve since won re-election four times with the support of an overwhelming majority of House Members from each political party. In every legislative session, I’ve tried to bring real solutions to real challenges. For example, we’ve made significant gains in K-12 and higher education, water, transportation, and mental health care. But just as important as what we’ve done is the way in which we’ve done it. Even as politics has become more tribal and divisive, I’ve led by bringing people together and working across party lines. We’ve fallen short at times. But on our best days, we have shown that there is still a place for civility and statesmanship in American politics.
I believe that in a representative democracy, those who serve in public office should do so for a time, not for a lifetime. And so I want you to know that my family and I have decided that I will not run for re-election next year. My time as a State Representative and as Speaker will end at the conclusion of my current term.
Just as my ascension to the Speaker’s office was unconventional and my approach to governing is unusual in these divisive times, I know this is also an unexpected decision. It’s been decades since someone has left the Speaker’s office on his own terms. But we have accomplished what I had hoped the House would accomplish when I first entered this office, and I am increasingly eager to contribute to our state in new and different ways.
Instead of acting on behalf of the entire House, I will now have a greater opportunity to express my own views and priorities. I will also continue to work for a Republican Party that tries to bring Texans together instead of us pulling us apart. Our party should be dynamic and forward-thinking, and it should appeal to our diverse population with an optimistic vision that embraces the future. I plan to be a voice for Texans who want a more constructive and unifying approach to our challenges, from the White House on down.
I want to thank Julie and our daughters, Sara and Robyn, for their love and support. I also want to thank my parents, Joci and Joe, who have set a wonderful example for me and taught me a true appreciation for public service. I want to thank my House colleagues for giving me the privilege of leading, and I want to thank the members of my staff who have worked so tirelessly to help the House succeed. Most of all, I want to thank the people of District 121 in Bexar County for giving me the chance to work on your behalf. Your strong support has provided a foundation upon which I could stand and provide leadership for our entire state.
One of my heroes, President George H.W. Bush, said, “Any definition of a successful life must include serving others.” I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Texas House, and I look forward to talking to you more in the future about my continued service to the state of Texas.
It may seem shocking to some but if you’ve read between the lines the past couple of years, it has become increasingly apparent that Straus has been very frustrated with the direction of the Republicans in Texas. As have many of us.
Sure, he would have won re-election, both to his seat and as Speaker. But realistically, the only thing he would have gained by doing that would be to block some of the more asinine proposals of the Senate. As well, the Senate would have continued to block his attempts to improve education, keep local control and improve the business climate in the state.
I’m most interested in the last line of his statement:
I look forward to talking to you more in the future about my continued service to the state of Texas.
Texas will certainly benefit from whatever he chooses to do in the future, just as we have greatly benefited from his service in the House. There are many of us that would love to see him take on either the Governor or the Lt. Governor next year. Unfortunately, most Texans have given up and don’t vote in the primaries, so the chances of him winning a primary are slim to none. While we can dream about November voters showing up in March, it is simply that, a dream. Until they do, for the right candidate. Who knows?
The usual suspects will be blasting out emails, Facebook posts and Tweets about how they got rid of the RINO. Because that is what the political arena in the country has devolved into. Insults instead of ideas. Slander instead of thoughtfulness. A purity test instead of a big tent.
As for me, I’ll simply say thank you to a man that was able to serve his state honorably and with distinction and grace. I look forward to hearing about his future plans even as I dream about what they could be.
I’m also hearing one of Joe’s favorite liberal lieutenants in the form of Byron Cook will be spending more time with his family. Good! Could Dan Flynn be considering this as well?
Votersays
I don’t really think it’s liberal to not want to be associated with the bathroom movement wing of the Republican party.
when you find yourself on the same side of issues as Lisa Falkenburg and the Chron editorial board…when you see it’s only democrats in elected positions lamenting the departure of Joe Straus…when his top lieutenant as chairman the Affairs Committee and Calendars Committee (kills bills at will) that is beholden to open borders (illegals getting driver’s licenses) and keeping tax increases coming (Obamacare medicaid expansion) hangs it up on the same day…jes saying
Roykosays
— Absolute Biased comment —
There were too damned many Demonrats that wanted him Speaker, and they had their way running committees that obstructed an agenda that sought to try and undo 100 years of Progressive-dictated rule over the citizens.,
Joe Straus didn’t decide to retire all by himself. He saw the writing on the wall. I have guarded optimism about the potential for the next legislative session.
CONTACT:
Melissa Duncan, Director of Communications
512.477.1244 (o) [email protected]
AUSTIN — Today, Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) announced that he would not seek re-election for his Texas House of Representatives seat in House District 121. The following is a statement on behalf of Texas Alliance for Life (TAL) Executive Director Joe Pojman, Ph.D.:
“Texas has become the envy of the nation because of the tremendous pro-life accomplishments of the Texas Legislature. Over the past five sessions, Speaker Straus has ensured Texans that pro-life issues are one of his priority issues,” said Dr. Pojman. “Speaker Straus has been critical to the substantial success of the pro-life movement in Texas, and we commend his strong record of accomplishments like the 10 pro-life bills recently passed by the Legislature and the continued defunding of Planned Parenthood — a record achievement in Texas. In his role as Speaker, we will always be grateful for his partnership with Texas Alliance for Life and other productive pro-life organizations, and we look forward to working with the future leaders in the House to ensure continued pro-life success for all of Texas,” Dr. Pojman added.
In addition to Speaker Straus’ announcement, an announcement was also made today by Representative Byron Cook (R-Corsicana). Cook, who served as the powerful Chairman of the House State Affairs Committee, will not seek re-election in the next cycle. The following is a statement on behalf of Texas Alliance for Life Executive Director Joe Pojman, Ph.D.:
“For the past fourteen years, Chairman Cook has been a legislative leader who was pivotal to many great things that happened across the pro-life movement in Texas. In his role as State Affairs Chairman, numerous bills came to be considered and heavily debated in the State Affairs Committee. Without his leadership, many pro-life priority bills may not have moved on to become the laws they are today. Chairman Cook did much for Texas regarding bills such as the Sonogram Bill in 2011, HB 2 in 2013, and numerous bills which were passed in the 85th Legislative Session and First Called Special Session. We are fortunate to call him a true friend of Texas Alliance for Life, and we know that his pro-life legacy will long surpass his years in office,” said Dr. Pojman.
This past year, during the 85th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, Texas celebrated another sensational session on the life issue. This follows a very successful pro-life session in 2015. Under the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Joe Straus, the Legislature passed six pro-life bills. The Legislature continued funding for alternatives to abortion, continued the defunding of Planned Parenthood, and passed numerous other pro-life provisions in the General Appropriations Act, the state’s two-year budget. For a full listing of pro-life accomplishments in the 85th Legislative session please visit the TAL website.
Pro-life success carried on through the First Called Special Session in the summer of 2017. Upon the conclusion of the special session, the Legislature passed an additional four pro-life bills. Governor Abbott quickly signed them all into law. Texas Alliance for Life strongly supported each of these pro-life bills during the special session. To learn more about these bills, please click here.
# #
Daniel Jamessays
Hey Joe,
Adios m-fo…..
David Varghasays
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Mister Straus.
berna macksays
So, who are the ones that will designate to us from now on who to vote for …. who will pass the “trumpet” too. Will it be the grassroots out here or will it be another inside job? Tell us so we can either roll up our sleeves to knock on doors.
” “
I’m also hearing one of Joe’s favorite liberal lieutenants in the form of Byron Cook will be spending more time with his family. Good! Could Dan Flynn be considering this as well?
I don’t really think it’s liberal to not want to be associated with the bathroom movement wing of the Republican party.
when you find yourself on the same side of issues as Lisa Falkenburg and the Chron editorial board…when you see it’s only democrats in elected positions lamenting the departure of Joe Straus…when his top lieutenant as chairman the Affairs Committee and Calendars Committee (kills bills at will) that is beholden to open borders (illegals getting driver’s licenses) and keeping tax increases coming (Obamacare medicaid expansion) hangs it up on the same day…jes saying
— Absolute Biased comment —
There were too damned many Demonrats that wanted him Speaker, and they had their way running committees that obstructed an agenda that sought to try and undo 100 years of Progressive-dictated rule over the citizens.,
Twelve years is long enough.
Go away.
Joe Straus didn’t decide to retire all by himself. He saw the writing on the wall. I have guarded optimism about the potential for the next legislative session.
NEWS RELEASE: Texas Alliance for Life Praises Pro-Life Legislative Accomplishments of Speaker Straus and House State Affairs Chairman Cook
https://www.texasallianceforlife.org/news/texas-alliance-life-praises-pro-life-legislative-accomplishments-speaker-straus-house-state-affairs-chairman-cook/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 25, 2017
CONTACT:
Melissa Duncan, Director of Communications
512.477.1244 (o)
[email protected]
AUSTIN — Today, Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) announced that he would not seek re-election for his Texas House of Representatives seat in House District 121. The following is a statement on behalf of Texas Alliance for Life (TAL) Executive Director Joe Pojman, Ph.D.:
“Texas has become the envy of the nation because of the tremendous pro-life accomplishments of the Texas Legislature. Over the past five sessions, Speaker Straus has ensured Texans that pro-life issues are one of his priority issues,” said Dr. Pojman. “Speaker Straus has been critical to the substantial success of the pro-life movement in Texas, and we commend his strong record of accomplishments like the 10 pro-life bills recently passed by the Legislature and the continued defunding of Planned Parenthood — a record achievement in Texas. In his role as Speaker, we will always be grateful for his partnership with Texas Alliance for Life and other productive pro-life organizations, and we look forward to working with the future leaders in the House to ensure continued pro-life success for all of Texas,” Dr. Pojman added.
In addition to Speaker Straus’ announcement, an announcement was also made today by Representative Byron Cook (R-Corsicana). Cook, who served as the powerful Chairman of the House State Affairs Committee, will not seek re-election in the next cycle. The following is a statement on behalf of Texas Alliance for Life Executive Director Joe Pojman, Ph.D.:
“For the past fourteen years, Chairman Cook has been a legislative leader who was pivotal to many great things that happened across the pro-life movement in Texas. In his role as State Affairs Chairman, numerous bills came to be considered and heavily debated in the State Affairs Committee. Without his leadership, many pro-life priority bills may not have moved on to become the laws they are today. Chairman Cook did much for Texas regarding bills such as the Sonogram Bill in 2011, HB 2 in 2013, and numerous bills which were passed in the 85th Legislative Session and First Called Special Session. We are fortunate to call him a true friend of Texas Alliance for Life, and we know that his pro-life legacy will long surpass his years in office,” said Dr. Pojman.
This past year, during the 85th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, Texas celebrated another sensational session on the life issue. This follows a very successful pro-life session in 2015. Under the leadership of Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Joe Straus, the Legislature passed six pro-life bills. The Legislature continued funding for alternatives to abortion, continued the defunding of Planned Parenthood, and passed numerous other pro-life provisions in the General Appropriations Act, the state’s two-year budget. For a full listing of pro-life accomplishments in the 85th Legislative session please visit the TAL website.
Pro-life success carried on through the First Called Special Session in the summer of 2017. Upon the conclusion of the special session, the Legislature passed an additional four pro-life bills. Governor Abbott quickly signed them all into law. Texas Alliance for Life strongly supported each of these pro-life bills during the special session. To learn more about these bills, please click here.
# #
Hey Joe,
Adios m-fo…..
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Mister Straus.
So, who are the ones that will designate to us from now on who to vote for …. who will pass the “trumpet” too. Will it be the grassroots out here or will it be another inside job? Tell us so we can either roll up our sleeves to knock on doors.