Simpson withdraws from Speaker race, Straus picked for third ter - | WBTV Charlotte

State Representative David Simpson, a Republican from Longview, has announced that he is withdrawing from the race for Texas House Speaker.

Simpson, a Tea Party-backed representative in his second term, announced January 10 that he had decided to run "after much prayer, consideration and counsel."

Bryan Hughes, the District 5 State Representative from Mineola, endorsed Simpson for the position.

"I wholeheartedly endorse my friend David Simpson for Speaker of the House," wrote Hughes in a statement. "David is uniquely qualified to lead the House at this pivotal time in our history."

Joe Straus was selected as Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. This will be Straus' third term as speaker.

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