Tennessee Republican House Majority Leader Glen Casada has made his run for House speaker official, setting up at least a three-way race to succeed Speaker Beth Harwell.
The Franklin lawmaker announced his bid in a letter to House members this week. Rep. David Hawk of Greeneville and Rep. Curtis Johnson of Clarksville are also running.
Casada's letter says he plans to empower the GOP-led legislature in crafting the budget; change the
committee process to ensure important legislation can make it to the floor; travel to lawmakers' districts; and help protect and re-elect Republican incumbents through campaigning and spending.
Harwell gave up her legislative seat for a failed Republican gubernatorial bid.
Republican lawmakers will pick leadership nominees before the legislative session's January kickoff, when formal elections will occur.
