JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri state Rep. Caleb Rowden announced Wednesday that he’d run for majority leader against the current second-in-command Rep. Mike Cierpiot, previewing what could be a competitive race after the former speaker’s resignation last week led to a shuffle in Republican leadership.
Rep. Todd Richardson of Poplar Bluff left the position open upon his election as House speaker, replacing John Diehl of Town and Country, who resigned Friday from the House’s top office after admitting to exchanging sexually suggestive text messages with a Capitol intern.
Rowden was the first to publicly announce a bid to replace Richardson. Cierpiot told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he’s running as well.
House Speaker Pro Tem Denny Hoskins said he has no plans to run for majority leader, a position that determines if, when and how long House members debate bills. It’s considered a stepping stone to speaker.
Rowden said he hopes to work with other House Republican leaders to craft a longer-term legislative goals based on input from Missouri residents, and emphasized tax cuts and other policies to support businesses.
Typically, House speakers serve for two years, but because Diehl left after only one session, his successor could stay in the office for three.
“We have a really unique opportunity to lead as a Republican caucus,” Rowden said, referring to the House GOP. “It gives us the opportunity to for some continuity in leadership and the opportunity to really tackle some big things.
Cierpiot, who served as assistant majority leader to both Diehl and Richardson during their time as majority floor leaders, said he has the experience needed.
“I have a very good understanding of what the job requires and the negotiations that need to take place on some bills,” the Lee’s Summit representative said. “I’m pretty confident that going forward, I can help get the caucus where it wants to go.”
House Republicans are expected to vote on Richardson’s replacement at the end of July.
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