AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Republican Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, a powerful moderate voice in the country's largest conservative state, says he won't seek re-election for his San Antonio-based seat next year.
Straus made the surprise announcement on his Facebook page and in an email to supporters. He says he came to the decision with his family. His current term expires in December 2019, just before the Legislature next convenes.
Straus opposed many of the top conservative priorities championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the Texas Senate. This session, his chamber was instrumental in blocking the "bathroom bill" targeting transgender students.
