Washington (CNN) The Republican speaker of the Texas House of Representatives announced Tuesday that he will not be seeking reelection in 2020 amid a scandal involving an audio recording in which he apparently sought help ousting incumbent members of his own party. "After much prayer, consultation, and thoughtful consideration with my family, it is clear that I can no longer seek re-election as State Representative of District 25, and subsequently, as Speaker of the House," Speaker Dennis Bonnen said in a statement. Bonnen listed about half of the Texas Republican caucus, who have "made clear that it is in the best interest of both myself and the House to move on" -- including his brother, Texas state Rep. Greg Bonnen. Bonnen's decision caps a near four-month saga in which the speaker appeared to plot against members of his own party, used lewd language to describe Democrats and has been accused of bribery, which has led to an investigation by the state's criminal investigation division. Bonnen has denied any criminal wrongdoing.

Source: CNN October 23, 2019 18:45 UTC