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Jones announces run for House Speaker

ST. LOUIS — Rep. Caleb Jones, R-California, announced Monday morning his intention of running for Speaker of the House for the coming General Assembly.

Rep. Caleb Jones, R-California
Rep. Caleb Jones, R-California

“The Republican party thrives on competition,” Jones said in a press release. “We should have a robust debate about where we are going as a Caucus and who is the best leader to take us there. I’m excited to get to work.”

Currently, the only other candidate who has announced interest in that position is Majority Floor Leader John Diehl, R-Town and Country.

After Diehl announced, Jones said he considers Diehl a good friend, and thought he was “clear in line for Speaker.”

“No one should expect a free pass,” Diehl told The Missouri Times. “I will work tirelessly, as  I have done for the past five years, to maintain and hopefully grow our historic majorities. I have committed to my caucus that, if elected, I will focus 100 percent of my time on being Speaker  and not using the office as a stepping stone to seek higher office.”

Jones, a sophomore representative, is the Chairman of the General Laws committee.

Check out The Missouri Times tomorrow for an interview with Jones following the announcement.