The leadership fight in Austin follows months of all-out political warfare between Republican factions and could further empower the state’s most strident conservatives.

First, while senators know what to expect with Lt. Gov Dan Patrick at the legislative body's helm, who controls the lower chamber will be decided on Tuesday in a full-floor vote. State representatives David Cook (R-Mansfield) and Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) have been campaigning neck-and-neck to secure the votes needed to become Texas House speaker.