Murphy McDougald

Christian. @tamu former student. @GWUspr graduate. from the #txlege to Capitol Hill and back.

[Sydney Watts @sydneypwatts]

Huge thanks to Speaker @Burrows4TX for making it TOO easy to lend a helping vein! Y’all come out, #txlege

[Dustin Burrows @Burrows4TX]

Ryder’s passing has hit especially close to home for our Team Burrows family. Ryder was the brother-in-law of one of our own, and our hearts are aching alongside his loved ones.

From all accounts, Ryder was exactly the kind of young man who made a difference without even trying—full of life, loyal to his friends, proud to be a Red Raider and a Texan, and someone who showed up for the people around him.

Elisabeth and I are praying for Avery and Ryan, the entire Harrington family, and everyone who loved Ryder—the number appears to be countless. We ask that you lift them up as well.

[Dustin Burrows @Burrows4TX]

Elisabeth and I are devastated to hear of the tragedy on West 6th Street in Austin this morning. This was not just a crime—it was an act of evil.

Three people are dead. Seventeen or more were wounded. Our prayers are with all of them and their loved ones.

This kind of calculated violence is meant to terrorize, to shake our sense of security, and to strike fear in innocent people enjoying a night out in Texas’ capital city.

I am deeply grateful for the rapid response of the Austin Police Department. Officers were on scene in less than a minute and stopped the threat before even more lives were taken. Their courage and decisive action saved lives.

We stand with the victims. We stand with their families. And we stand firmly for law, order, and the safety of every Texan.

More details will come. But our resolve is already clear.

[Dustin Burrows @Burrows4TX]

I’m proud to recognize the incredible talent of Noah Wakefield of Lubbock, whose handcrafted Christmas ornament represents House District 83 on the Texas House Chamber Christmas Tree this year.

Noah’s story is as impressive as his work — a Navy veteran who served our country as a welder, a Texas Tech University graduate with an MFA in Sculpture, and a skilled artist who brings metal, history, and craftsmanship together in a powerful way. His ornament is a beautiful reflection of West Texas creativity, service, and hard work.

Grateful to Noah for sharing his talent with the Texas House and helping make this year’s House Christmas tree something truly special for Texans from across the state.

[Dustin Burrows @Burrows4TX]

Christmas is around the corner, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Texas Capitol Ornament Program.

Started in 1996 by Mrs. Nelda Laney, wife of former Speaker Pete Laney, with the State Preservation Board, this holiday tradition celebrates Texas history while supporting state preservation efforts.

Thank you to my wife, Elisabeth, and the State Preservation Board for helping carry it forward!

[Texas Capitol Gift Shop @texas_gift]

Our Holiday Sale is happening now! Save 20% on your purchase, including all ornaments—a big thank you to Mrs. Burrows for helping us promote this 30th anniversary edition.

[Texas Capitol Gift Shop @texas_gift]

The 2025 ornament is in the news!
https://t.co/hFb9fTArTO

[Dustin Burrows @Burrows4TX]

Elisabeth joined @TexasFLCA and Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw at the Capitol today to welcome the @TXChristmasTree Growers Association—and they arrived in true holiday fashion, delivering four Fraser firs by horse-drawn carriage.

The Capitol Christmas tree tradition dates back to 1917, when the first tree was put up in honor of Texas soldiers serving in World War I. More than a century later, it continues to bring Texans together and fill the Capitol with the spirit of the season.

If you’re in Austin this month, we hope you’ll stop by your state Capitol to experience the Christmas cheer for yourself.

[Dustin Burrows @Burrows4TX]

A proud Texas tradition, 30 years strong!

Started in 1996 by Mrs. Nelda Laney, the wife of former Speaker Pete Laney, the Capitol Ornament Program has raised nearly $14 million to help preserve our state’s landmarks.

For this milestone year, my wife Elisabeth partnered with the State Preservation Board to honor the original 1996 design—a perfect piece of Texas history for your Christmas season.

[Dustin Burrows @Burrows4TX]

It may still be October, but we’re already getting into the Christmas spirit as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Texas Capitol Ornament Program!

This year’s design honors the very first ornament from 1996—started by Mrs. Nelda Laney, wife of former Speaker Pete Laney, with the State Preservation Board.

Special thanks to my wife, Elisabeth, and the State Preservation Board for helping carry on this Texas tradition!

#txlege

[Texas Capitol Gift Shop @texas_gift]

A special message from Mrs. Elisabeth Burrows, wife of Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows!
https://t.co/PUFVi4Kn2l
#TexasCapitolGiftShop #TexasGifts

[David Burge @iowahawkblog]

Awwwww. Look at this sweet display of sibling affection. Cara has provided me some top shelf car ID content from her family archives over the years and no exception here. The car in question is a 1951 Chevy Styleline sedan.
https://t.co/ce4uH3IAHe

[Murphy McDougald @murphysinclair]

Texas-sized thank you to @RobertEdsel for joining #txlege House spouses this week for our History & Heroes event, previewing his new book, #RememberUs. A profound reminder of the price of freedom.

H/T to #Housespouse, @ShelbyLandgraf, for organizing this incredible discussion!

[Dustin Burrows @Burrows4TX]

Happy Valentine’s Day, @elonmusk.

[Greg Payne @greg_payne24]

I recently read about man who collects pictures of hitters who had hit walk-off home runs. He said that the reason he did this is because this is how he views us entering heaven.

Look at the faces of his teammates waiting to welcome him home. Look at their excitement. They can’t wait to celebrate with him.

Look at the fans. Arms raised, big smiles, maybe even hugs for a perfect stranger.

Perhaps this is your first holiday season without someone important who is now waiting for you in heaven. Maybe it’s just another one with that big hole in your heart and an empty seat at the table. Either way, I hope you can find encouragement in this picture, what it represented to the man who collected it, and find joy this year. #heaven #hope #joy #grief

[Brianna Hollis @BriHollisNEWS]

This is @murphysinclair, the sister of the driver of the sedan. They were on the phone - talking about Murphy’s wedding - when the crash happened.

[Brianna Hollis @BriHollisNEWS]

Police say it took 3 hours to get to this crash. When they got there - everyone had left, so officers couldn’t write a report.

“This unfortunate series of events and the staffing crisis at APD led to a delay in our ability to respond promptly to other urgent situations.”

[Shera Kutac Eichler @SheraEichler]

“No autographs, please.”
Spent the morning filming the trailer for the next Ray Spivey production, The Weedhacker Massacre!!! 13 coeds headed to the Earth Wind Music Festival in Red Eye, the illegal weed capital of TX. What could possibly go wrong?! #darkcomedy #txlege

[Murphy McDougald @murphysinclair]

This was the most terrifying phone call I’ve ever been on.

I’ll never forget the fear in my sister’s voice after she got hit.

I got to the scene from NW Austin before APD & waited for 2 hours.

I grew up in this city. I respect law enforcement. Last night was unacceptable.

[Aubrey Campbell @champagneaubbi]

@EvilMopacATX my friend was hit by a driver under the influence tonight & APD didn’t show up. 911 called several times. The person got taken home by their family before police showed up after multiple requests for their presence !! Spent 1.5 hours at the scene. 0 police presence

[Shera Kutac Eichler @SheraEichler]

This is Austin.

Lesson: Don’t almost get killed by a drunk driver. 911 will put you in the queue and likely never show. Thanks, Austin City Council.

(This is also a friend of mine. I can attest the details are 100% accurate.)