"Tom Oliverson Launches Bid to Challenge Dade Phelan for Texas House Speaker"

State Rep. Tom Oliverson has announced a challenge to Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, criticizing Phelan's leadership and pledging to realign the lower chamber with Republican priorities. Phelan, who faces a runoff in his own race, has defended his leadership and the appointment of Democrats to chair some House committees. Oliverson's challenge comes amid a shift in the Texas House following the primary results, with some Republicans questioning Phelan's leadership. Oliverson, a conservative anesthesiologist, is positioning himself as a candidate who can quickly consolidate support for the speakership.