BEAUMONT, Texas — Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan announced Thursday he will not pursue re-election to House District 21 seat in 2026, ending a legislative career that delivered transformative funding for Southeast Texas healthcare, education and infrastructure projects.

The Beaumont Republican secured over $70 million for regional mental health facilities, brought a new VA clinic to Southeast Texas veterans, funded all Lamar campuses, and delivered critical money for ports to create jobs.

Phelan made history by becoming the first House Speaker from Southeast Texas, serving in that role from 2021 until 2025. He has represented District 21 since 2014.

Baptist Hospital CEO Justin Doss praised Phelan's healthcare victories for the region.

"Dade was a fighter. He fought for what h

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