Longview, TX — State Rep. David Simpson has long said he’ll vote for the most conservative candidate to lead the Texas House of Representatives come January. He indicated Tuesday some House members think he’s that candidate.

“For some time, multiple legislators have asked me to consider running for speaker,” Simpson wrote in a prepared statement. “Out of respect for my colleagues’ wishes, I am giving thought and prayer to the matter.”

The Longview Republican had not mentioned that potential future when he discussed the speaker’s race Monday night with We The People-Longview, the local tea party group.

He has been ambiguous about the speaker candidacy of his fellow Northeast Texas Republican, Rep. Bryan Hughes of Mineola.

Read more from the Longview News-Journal.