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Phelan's withdrawal from the race means he will transition from his influential role as Speaker to being just another rank-and-file member of the House. His tenure as Speaker was marked by a grueling campaign for re-election, which not only confirmed his precarious position within the party but also made him a target of Attorney General Ken Paxton's political maneuvers. Paxton’s attempts to impeach Phelan underscored the growing rift in the party.