House lawmakers Monday elected state Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, to be the next speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Shepherd was elected to succeed House Speaker Jeremy Gillam, R- Judsonia, who has led the House since 2015. Shepherd will serve as the speaker-designate until being formally elected at the start of the 2019 regular session, unless Democrats gain control of the House in November’s elections.
Shepherd defeated state Rep. Andy Davis, R-Little Rock.
Both candidates spoke briefly before their colleagues in the chamber, and then the votes were cast by secret ballot.
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Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.