State Representative David Simpson of Longview has withdrawn his name from the race for Texas Speaker of the House.

Current Speaker Joe Strauss will in turn retain his position.

State Representative Bryan Hughes of Mineola ended his campaign for Speaker of the House in December when he publicly backed fellow East Texan David Simpson.

"David is the best man for the job and I am completely behind David Simpson," said Hughes in December.

According to numerous Texas politicians, Strauss was favored to win the race from the get go.