Embattled House Speaker Dade Phelan has announced today he will not seek re-election to the position. This follows a tumultuous election cycle and vocal criticism from both House colleagues and Texas voters, who accused him of empowering Democrat members at the expense of advancing conservative legislation.

Phelan’s path to retaining the speakership narrowed significantly this week as more of his former allies endorsed State Rep. David Cook (Mansfield) for the position. Cook has thus far garnered support from a majority of the Republican caucus. The caucus is set to meet on Saturday to nominate a candidate for Speaker, with the winner needing at least three-fifths support from members.

“Out of deep respect for this institution and its members, and after careful consideration and private consultation with colleagues, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the race for Speaker of the Texas House,” said Phelan in a statement Friday morning. “By stepping aside, I believe we create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate who will uphold the principles that make our House one of the most exceptional, deliberative legislative bodies in the country — a place where honor, integrity, and the right of every member to vote their district takes utmost precedent.”

He continued, “I am profoundly grateful to those who have supported me throughout my speakership—principled conservatives who have shown steadfast resolve and courage in the face of immense intimidation from outsiders wishing to influence our chamber and its processes. Though the battle for my speakership is over, the war for the integrity of this chamber wages on — and we will win.”