Indiana House Republicans choose Smaltz as speaker-elect after majority shrinks

Indiana House Republicans selected Rep. Ben Smaltz of Auburn as Speaker-elect after current Speaker Todd Huston lost his reelection bid. Republicans retained control of the chamber, but their majority narrowed substantially following the election. Smaltz said he would focus on lowering living costs, economic growth and expanding opportunity; the caucus also chose Rep. Matt Lehman as majority leader and Rep. Jake Teshka as majority caucus chair. Smaltz, a conservative who authored a controversial redistricting bill that failed, was endorsed for reelection by President Donald Trump.