Kansas Republicans are set to nominate a new House speaker in December as the current House speaker prepares to retire from the state Legislature.

House Majority Leader Jene Vickrey, Rep. Ron Ryckman and Rep. Russ Jennings are vying to succeed Republican House Speaker Ray Merrick.

Republicans control 85 seats in the 125-member House. They will make nominations for the position by secret ballot next month before an official floor vote, which includes Democrats, takes place in January.

The next speakers will have to deal with several issues, including the projected $349 million budget hole for Kansas’ current fiscal year.

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Associated Press Information from: The Wichita Eagle