The leader of majority Democrats in the Vermont House is dropping her bid to become the state's next speaker.
The Democratic Caucus plans to elect a nominee for speaker on Saturday. The entire House will then vote on that nominee in January.
Rep. Sarah Copeland-Hanzas tells The Burlington Free Press she's no longer seeking the position because Rep. Mitzi Johnson has more support among Democratic lawmakers.
Johnson, a Democrat from South Hero, is now unopposed in the election.
Johnson has served as the chair of the House Appropriations committee. She says she wants to bring a systematic approach to assessing and improving state government.
Current speaker, Democratic Rep. Shap Smith, was defeated in his primary bid for lieutenant governor.
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