Straus Files for Another Term as Speaker

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus is officially seeking another term wielding the gavel. 

The San Antonio Republican on Monday filed papers with the state Ethics Commission to run for speaker again, according to his office. If re-elected, he will bid for a fifth term at the helm of the lower chamber, rivaling Pete Laney and Gib Lewis as the longest-serving speakers.

Straus easily won a fourth term as speaker in January, earning the support of all but 19 House members. Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, had challenged him. 

Straus' political profile is expected to grow in the interim. He is serving as the vice chairman of the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee, which helps elect Republicans to state legislatures. The position means he will lead the national organization in 2016.

"Speaker Straus wants to continue working with his colleagues to address the state's challenges, but he believes now is a time for members to reconnect with their families and communities instead of focusing on the next session," said spokesman Jason Embry.

Straus was first elected to the House from District 121 in 2005.