Republican caucus chairman Larry Taylor said 70 out of 101 Republican House members chose Straus in a non-binding vote Monday. The official vote will take place Tuesday when the legislative session opens and Democrats also have a chance to cast a ballot.
Straus, a San Antonio Republican, needs only 76 votes to keep his job and will likely be re-elected.
The Texas speaker is one of the most powerful jobs in state politics, deciding what bills get a chance to pass.
Tea party and conservative activists oppose Straus and were hoping the caucus would provide the momentum to ou
