Rodríguez Ramos faces an uphill battle, as Democrats are the minority party with 64 seats in the 150-member Texas House.

Rodríguez Ramos faces an uphill battle, as Democrats are the minority party with 64 seats in the 150-member Texas House.

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

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,

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.

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