Huston elected Indiana House speaker successor

Editor’s note: This story has been updated.

Republican legislators have selected State Rep. Todd Huston as their pick to become the next leader of the Indiana House.

Huston won Monday’s private vote that was held two weeks after longtime House Speaker Brian Bosma announced he would retire after the 2020 legislative session.

Huston is from the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers and was first elected to the Legislature in 2012. He led the House budget-writing committee this past year. Huston is a senior vice president of the College Board, the company that administers the SAT college admissions test, and previously was chief of staff for Republican former state schools superintendent Tony Bennett.

Bosma says he’ll work closely with Huston during the upcoming session. Huston will take over GOP caucus leadership heading into the November 2020 election.

In a statement, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said he “look(s) forward to working with Speaker-elect Huston in making sure that the House conducts a healthy and vigorous debate on the issues that concern Hoosiers across our state.

“Indiana House Democrats are ready to serve Hoosiers first by making health care more accessible and affordable, providing children with quality care that their parents can afford, investing in public education, giving teachers the pay raise they deserve and ensuring that our children can go to school to learn in a safe environment,” GiaQuinta added.

Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, released a statement calling Huston a “great choice” for speaker.

“Over the years I’ve worked with Todd, I have come to know him as a dedicated public servant with vision and integrity,” Bray said. “I look forward to working with him and Speaker Bosma this session as they make the transition, and I have no doubt Rep. Huston and I will be able to work very well together as we craft policy for the State of Indiana.”

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb likewise called Huston “a home run pick for Indiana House Speaker.

“He has proven himself a strong leader and has touched so many facets of state government through the budget process,” the governor said in a statement. “Having a year to learn from Speaker Bosma will prove invaluable. I look forward to working with him and Sen. Bray going forward.”