Dade Phelan

The two-term Republican caught many Capitol observers off guard when he emerged as the standard-bearer for a coalition that wants to depose Phelan and reshape how the House operates.

Phelan appears to lack support from the majority of House Republicans, but he could still win with some Democratic support.

Perry is Texas’ longest-serving governor who also served as a state representative, lieutenant governor and agriculture commissioner.

Phelan placed a close second behind Covey, a former Orange County Republican Party chairman, in the first round of the primary for East Texas’ House District 21 in March.

The Beaumont Republican issued his interim charges even as it remains unclear whether he’ll be reelected.