JEFFERSON CITY, Mo — State Rep. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, officially announced his intention to run for speaker pro tem at an event on Tuesday night at Gumbo Bottoms with more than 75 other representatives in attendance.
Hoskins was narrowly defeated in a race for the position prior to the start of the 97th General Assembly by Rep. Jason Smith, R-Rolla. However, he said he was confident he could win this time around, and said he has received “positive and overwhelming feedback” from his fellow caucus members.
“We need someone to fill in for the speaker when he cannot be here and I believe I can be that person,” Hoskins told The Missouri Times. “So I’m willing to work to that end to help move our caucus forward.”
Hoskins said his event had 34 “co-hosts,” and that several representatives spoke on his behalf, including Reps. Elaine Gannon, R-De Soto, Lyle Rowland, R-Branson, and Lyndall Fraker, R-Marshfield.
“I had about a dozen members or so come to me and tell me I should make an official announcement if I wanted to run again,” Hoskins said. “So I took the opportunity and made an announcement.”
Majority Floor Leader and leading candidate for House speaker in 2014, John Diehl, R-Town and Country, said he supports Hoskins candidacy.
“[Hoskins] is a good friend, and we will work very well together,” Diehl said.
Collin Reischman was the Managing Editor for The Missouri Times, and a graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
