Amarillo Republican Rep. John Smithee became the fifth person to enter the race for Texas House Speaker when he announced his candidacy Friday.

State Rep. John Smithee announced he is vying to be the next Texas House Speaker. Smithee, has been in the state legislature since 1985, representing District 86. Which includes Armstrong, Dallam,

David Cook, the former mayor of Mansfield, earned the support of other Republicans eager to build a united front against Dade Phelan.

Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos is the first Democrat to challenge Speaker Dade Phelan, who also faces opposition from 5 fellow Republicans.

Amarillo Republican Rep. John Smithee became the seventh person to enter the race for Texas House speaker when he announced his candidacy Friday.

After Attorney General Ken Paxton’s failed impeachment trial, his allies touted Smithee, one of the House’s most senior members, as a speaker candidate.