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.

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.

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.

Becoming speaker requires a majority vote from House members. Currently, the Texas House consists of 150 members. In January, the House will be made up of 88 Republicans and 62 Democrats. The new speaker will need at least 76 votes.

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.

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