Joe Strauss re-elected as Texas House Speaker

AUSTIN, TX (KTRK) -- Joe Strauss of San Antonio is the sitting speaker and he won reelection overwhelmingly. But not before Scott Turner of Frisco challenged him to the seat.

For the last 20 sessions, if a challenger emerged, he or she withdrew before a vote. Not today. But it didn't matter. Turner garnered just 19 of 148 votes on the floor. His supporters suggested Strauss wasn't conservative enough to lead the strong Republican majority.

Strauss took a conciliatory tone in his acceptance speech, which was aimed at members of both parties.

This House is about something that is bigger than all of us," he told the chamber's 148 members in attendance, " It's about a fair process that points us toward common ground. A process that respects hard work and respects the will of every district and the judgment of every member."