House Republican Leader Jason Mumpower says he expects to be elected speaker of the General Assembly s lower chamber when the Legislature convenes in January. The Bristol lawmaker in an interview with The Kingsport Times-News cited the unity of House Republicans under his leadership for the party’s four-seat seat gain to a 50-49 majority in the House. But Mumpower isn’t the only potential candidate. Several Republicans are expected to explore a bid for the speakership, including Nashville Rep. Beth Harwell who argues that future GOP growth will be centered in Middle and rural West Tennessee. Current Speaker Jimmy Naifeh, a Covington Democrat, may also seek to poach Republican votes to extend his record 18-year grip on top post in the House.