Indiana House Republicans have chosen Rep. Ben Smaltz of Auburn as their speaker-elect, following an election that ended the party's 14-year supermajority in the chamber.
The decision came Wednesday in a private caucus meeting at the Statehouse, a day after House Speaker Todd Huston of Fishers lost his reelection bid. Preliminary tallies show Democrats gaining at least 16 House seats, which would reduce the Republican majority from 70-30 to an expected 54-46.
Smaltz, first elected in 2012, has served as House Rules Committee chair for the past four years and previously led the House Public Policy Committee. He told reporters Republicans remain in the majority and will continue to set the legislative agenda, with a focus on affordability, jobs and the economy.
House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta of Fort Wayne said his caucus now has more leverage and hopes Republicans will work across the aisle on issues such as utility and health care costs and school funding.
Senate Republicans on Wednesday also confirmed Sen. Chris Garten of Charlestown as their next president pro tem. Smaltz is expected to be formally elected speaker on Organization Day, Nov. 17, ahead of the session that begins in early January.
