The House Republican caucus is expected to cast unofficial votes for a new Speaker of the House today, with Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, among the six contenders.

The 70-member caucus is scheduled to meet behind closed doors in Montgomery today. The official vote will come on Mon., Aug. 15, when the legislature convenes for a special session on the lottery.

Other Republicans seeking the job are Reps. Lynn Greer of Rogersville, Mac McCutcheon of Huntsville, Phil Williams of Huntsville, Barry Moore of Enterprise, and Steve Clouse of Ozark. Democrat Patricia Todd of Birmingham also has declared herself a candidate.

Insiders say the Republicans will vote by secret ballot, and the top two finishers will face off in a second vote.

The office became open when Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, was convicted of felony ethics violations earlier this summer.

Jones was first elected to the legislature in 2010 and currently chairs the Judiciary Committee. In that role, he is overseeing impeachment proceedings initiated against Gov. Robert Bentley..

 

Jones also managed a massive prison reform package passed by the House during the 2015 Session.