Story highlights Texas Rep. Bill Flores says he'll run for speaker as long as Rep. Paul Ryan doesn't

Flores told reporters last week he was "praying and consulting" over whether to run

Washington (CNN) If Rep. Paul Ryan doesn't run for House speaker, it could cause a free-for-all as about a dozen members maybe considering jumping into the race. If that happens, the outcome could be totally unpredictable as the candidates vie for the 218 votes needed to be elected.

On Monday, the head of the an influential conservative House caucus said he'd run for speaker as long as Ryan, the popular Wisconsin Republican, doesn't.

Rep. Bill Flores of Texas who chairs the Republican Study Committee, circulated a letter to his House GOP colleagues declaring he would run -- but he included that important caveat.

"Congressman Flores is planning to run for speaker. However, if Congressman Paul Ryan runs, he will step aside and support him," said Andre Castro, an aide to the congressman, who said Flores' email would be released later Monday.

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