State House Republicans elected the next speaker pro tempore Wednesday.

Rep. Scott Hummel, R-DeWitt, will replace Larry Julian, R-Lennon for the 93rd Legislature. Hummel begins his position during the next House session in January.

The position entails guiding action on the House floor, as well as filling in for House Speaker Rick Johnson, R-LeRoy, when necessary.

A member of the House Tax Policy, Insurance and Transportation committees, Hummel also serves as the vice chairman of the House Education Committee.

Pro tempore means "for the time being" or "temporarily." The position is the second most powerful in the House, under the House Speaker.