State Rep. Jack Ladyman has announced a run for speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives, joining at least two other lawmakers in the race to serve as leader of the chamber.
Ladyman, a Republican from Jonesboro, confirmed to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Wednesday he was running for speaker but said he had officially declared his candidacy last month.
Ladyman, who is serving his fifth term as a legislator, said his priorities, if elected, would include reviewing House rules for updates.
Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, announced last month he does not intend to seek a fourth full term as speaker but plans to run for reelection to his House seat. Shepherd's current term in the House ends in January 2025.
Arkansas House members Johnny Rye, R-Trumann, and Brian Evans, R-Cabot, said last month they intend to run for speaker.