LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A state senator from Gothenburg has joined the race to become the Nebraska Legislature’s next speaker.

Sen. Matt Williams is looking to replace Sen. Galen Hadley of Kearney, who won’t return to office next year because of term limits.

Williams, a Republican, says he knows the position carries an “awesome responsibility,” but he believes he’s up to the challenge.

Williams was elected in 2014 to represent a district that includes Dawson and Custer County and the northern third of Buffalo County. He serves on the Judiciary Committee; the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee; and a state prison investigations committee.

Sen. Jim Scheer of Norfolk has also announced his intention to run for speaker.