House Speaker Glen Casada said Tuesday he will not resign from his leadership position, despite participating in sexually charged text messages with his now former chief of staff.

Speaking to WTN's Brian Wilson, the Franklin Republican said he had no intentions to step down, adding, "I'm sorry that I did it and I'm embarrassed that I did it."

Casada's comments come after the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee published a story featuring text messages sent from a cellphone number associated with Cade Cothren, Casada's now former top aide and the Republican lawmaker.

Casada was included in some of the staff member’s derogatory comments toward women.

On Tuesday, Casada downplayed the remarks as locker room talk between two adult men.

"I was wrong," he said, adding he has not participated in similar talk in recent years. "I got caught up in the moment."

TURMOIL IN THE CAPITOL:Glen Casada, Cade Cothren and the Tennessee legislature

Casada remained confident he would overwhelmingly be supported by House Republicans.

The speaker also touted the accomplishments the House made under his leadership.

"We are rallying around the fact that the House has led," he said. "Things ran very smoothly for a change in the House."

Casada also defended Cothren's $199,800 salary, saying it was in line with what other chiefs of staff make in Tennessee and states across the country.

Of the eight states that border Tennessee, Cothren made significantly more money than each House chief of staff.

The highest paid House chief of staff next to Cothren is North Carolina's Bart Goodson, who earns $177,400, according to 2017 data.

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Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.