Amarillo Republican Rep. John Smithee became the fifth person to enter the race for Texas House Speaker when he announced his candidacy Friday.

Rodríguez Ramos of Richardson faces an uphill battle, as Democrats are the minority party with 64 seats in the 150-member Texas House.

Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos is the first Democrat to challenge Speaker Dade Phelan, who also faces opposition from 5 fellow Republicans.

Amarillo Republican Rep. John Smithee became the seventh person to enter the race for Texas House speaker when he announced his candidacy Friday.

David Cook, the former mayor of Mansfield, earned the support of other Republicans eager to build a united front against Dade Phelan.

Perry is Texas’ longest-serving governor who also served as a state representative, lieutenant governor and agriculture commissioner.