The Republican from Angleton wasn't even a candidate a month ago. Now he says he has north of 100 votes — more than enough to win the gavel.

Bonnen made the announcement at a press conference at the Capitol.

The Angleton Republican called a press conference for Monday afternoon to discuss the race.

Democrats, who picked up 12 state House seats, are more confident they’ll have a stronger hand in electing the next leader — an outlook that even some Republicans privately agree with.

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Bonnen said in a statement that “after thoughtful consideration with my family, I have decided to heed the call of many of my colleagues.”

His departure comes amid an effort among roughly 40 GOP House members to draft state Rep. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, into the race.

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