A late challenger to House Speaker John Boehner has emerged in the 11th hour as lawmakers gather to address their first order of business.

Florida Rep. Daniel Webster, who served as speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, has emerged as a viable opponent to current Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, just one hour before lawmakers elect a new top Republican.

Buzz about Webster’s bid continues to spread as Democrats and Republicans as the 114th Congress convenes. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, who said he won’t vote for Boehner, called on conservatives to support Webster.

“I’m confident that he’s a good candidate for this job, and I do not expect him at all to reject it. I expect his name will be brought forward, and I think there will be votes for Daniel Webster,” King told National Review Online.

Webster will begin his third term in the House this year and serves on the Rules and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.

He served in the Florida legislature for 28 years.

To win the No. 1 Republican spot, a candidate must receive 218 votes from lawmakers. Democrats will nominate Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

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Fifteen Republicans have said they’re not voting for Boehner. Two of those, Reps. Louie Gohmert of Texas and Ted Yoho of Florida, formally announced challenges to the Ohio Republican.

To stop Boehner from winning a majority of lawmakers’ votes on the first ballot, 29 GOP lawmakers must oppose him.

A communications staffer to a conservative Republican told The Daily Signal yesterday 20 have confirmed their opposition to the current speaker.