Republicans pick Huston as Indiana House speaker successor

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Republican legislators have selected State Rep. Todd Huston as their pick to become the next leader of the Indiana House.

Huston won Monday’s private vote that was held two weeks after longtime House Speaker Brian Bosma announced he would retire after the 2020 legislative session.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued the following statement on the selection of Indiana House Speaker-elect Todd Huston.

“Todd Huston is a home run pick for Indiana House Speaker. He has proven himself a strong leader and has touched so many facets of state government through the budget process. Having a year to learn from Speaker Bosma will prove invaluable. I look forward to working with him and Sen. Bray going forward.”

Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement on the selection of Indiana House Speaker-elect Todd Huston.

“I look forward to working with Speaker-elect Huston in making sure that the House conducts a healthy and vigorous debate on the issues that concern Hoosiers across our state. Indiana House Democrats are ready to serve Hoosiers first by making health care more accessible and affordable, providing children with quality care that their parents can afford, investing in public education, giving teachers the pay raise they deserve and ensuring that our children can go to school to learn in a safe environment.”

Huston is from the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers and was first elected to the Legislature in 2012.

He led the House budget-writing committee this past year.

Huston is a senior vice president of the College Board, the company that administers the SAT college admissions test, and previously was chief of staff for Republican former state schools superintendent Tony Bennett.

Bosma says he’ll work closely with Huston during the upcoming session.

Huston will take over GOP caucus leadership heading into the November 2020 election.