State politicians react to stunning announcement,

“Joe Straus has served with distinction for both the people in his district and for the Texas House of Representatives. I thank Speaker Straus for his service and for his commitment to the state of Texas.” — Republican Gov. Greg Abbott

“I would like to thank Joe for his years of service to the state of Texas. Any man who enters the arena deserves respect. The media often tried to portray our differences as personal when they were actually just a markedly different approach to governance and political ideology.” — Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

“Obviously it has implications to state government decisions. That’s the most important part for us to understand . ... The inside baseball is one thing. The big picture on policy is another. It’ll be a different place . ... It can be as big a change as (former Lt. Gov. David) Dewhurst to Dan Patrick . ... It’ll have a profound effect.” — State Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston “First, I want to thank Speaker Straus for his years of public service and extend my best wishes to he and Julie in their future endeavors. Looking ahead, the reasons underlying my decision to run for speaker have not changed, and that is to ensure that members can serve the interests of Texans in a transparent, productive and functional environment, where all views are heard.” — State Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford

“I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Speaker Straus for his principled leadership during troubled and divisive times. #txlege” — State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin

“We did it!!! Speaker Straus is gone. The future of Texas has never looked brighter. The grassroots are victorious again! #onward” — State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford

“I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Straus. Under his guidance, the House was able to address important issues like public school finance and maternal mortality. I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish in our state in the coming years.” — State Rep. Mary González, D-Clint

“As Speaker of the House, Straus and his cronies declared open war on conservatives in general and Gov. Greg Abbott in specific. The crony cartel of Democrats and Republicans that kept Straus in power worked to oppose property tax reforms, spending limits, and the First Amendment.” — Michael Quinn Sullivan, president of tea party PAC Empower Texans

“With @SpeakerStraus gone, we absolutely must defeat @DanPatrick” — Mike Collier, 2018 Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor and 2014 nominee for comptroller

“That’s awesome news.” — State Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park

“.@SpeakerStraus has always been an advocate for stronger ties btwn #TX & #MX, a voice of moderation & common sense in #TXlege. We’ll miss u.” — Carlos González Gutiérrez, consul general of Mexico in Austin