Dade Phelan is a Republican representing Texas House District 21, which covers most of Jefferson County, all of Orange and Jasper counties, and areas like Beaumont, Orange, Port Arthur, and Vidor. Born on September 18, 1975, in Beaumont, he works as a real estate developer at his family's fourth-generation firm managing properties in Texas and Arkansas. He previously served as the 76th Speaker of the Texas House from 2021 to 2025 and is currently in his fifth term after winning unopposed in 2024; his seat is up for election in 2026. Notable achievements include being named one of Texas Monthly's Best Legislators , Capitol Inside's Most Valuable Sophomore and Outstanding Freshman , and awards like Legislative Champion by Boys and Girls Clubs of Texas, Legislator of the Year by Texas Apartment Association, and Mental Health Champion by Mental Health America. He is a founding member of the House Criminal Justice Reform Caucus and serves on boards including Texas Lyceum, Southeast Texas CASA, and St. Anne Catholic Church.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in Government/Business from the University of Texas at Austin .
• Early Career: Legislative aide in the Texas State Senate , staff for Rep. Mark Stiles and Sen. Tommy Williams; staff assistant/sales manager at Texas District and County Attorneys Association ; partner at Phelan Investments .
• Political Roles: First elected to Texas House District 21 in 2014 . Previously chaired House State Affairs Committee and Licensing & Administrative Procedures; vice-chair of Natural Resources; served on Appropriations, Calendars, Elections, and Select Committee on Ports, Innovation & Infrastructure. Former president and gubernatorial appointee to Lower Neches Valley Authority.