State Representative John Smithee (R-Amarillo) has filed to run for the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

Smithee is joining four others vying to oust Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont). Phelan recently won a hotly contested primary, though many of his allies in the house were defeated by challengers backed by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Smithee earned strong support from Paxton and statewide attention for a speech he gave on the house floor criticizing the impeachment.

Other challengers in the speaker race are David Cook (R-Mansfield), James Frank (R-Wichita Falls), Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress), and Shelby Slawson (R-Stephenville).

Smithee is one of the longest serving members of the state house, having first been elected in 1984. He defeated a primary challenger earlier this year by a wide margin and will not face a challenger on the November ballot. Smithee, who represents District 86, is one of two members of the state house representing Amarillo. Four Price (R-Amarillo), who currently represents District 87, is not running again. Republican Caroline Fairly, Democrat Timothy Gassaway, and Write-In Jeffrey McGunegle are set to face off to replace Price in November.