AUSTIN – Jostling for the post of leader of the Texas House began in earnest Wednesday, as Democrats eyed a potential 75-75 split in the chamber and gleefully predicted the end of GOP House Speaker Tom Craddick's reign.

Two Democrats and a Republican joined an increasing number of representatives who say they are tired of the Midland Republican's iron-fisted control of the House and want him gone.

"I have a problem today," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Jim Dunnam. "I can't stop smiling. ... Stick a fork in Tom Craddick. He's done."

Not so fast, the Craddick camp said.

The speaker's majority is minuscule – at the very best, the Texas Republicans might come out 77-73 ahead after the dust settles in two districts in question.

But the GOP is still in power. And Mr. Craddick, in spite of opposition from within his party, has no plans to give up.

The Legislature returns to work in January, when the members would pick their speaker.

"The Republicans have maintained the majority in the House, and as long as the Republicans maintain the majority, we are confident that the speaker will remain speaker," said Craddick spokeswoman Alexis DeLee.

Irving GOP Rep. Linda Harper-Brown is up only 29 votes over Democrat Bob Romano, and absentee and provisional ballots haven't been counted.

In Jacksonville, rural Democratic Rep. Chuck Hopson won with just over 100 votes and probably faces a recount with Brian Walker.

If both come out for Democrats, the House will be split right down the middle, a reversal from the 88-vote majority the GOP enjoyed just a few years ago.

It would be a stunning mix in a House that already was rancorous, divisive and partisan.

Tuesday, Democrats took six Republican-held seats in spite of staunch resistance from Mr. Craddick's own political action committee, Stars Over Texas.

One of their biggest victories came in Arlington, with Chris Turner overthrowing Rep. Bill Zedler, who came in on the pro-GOP redistricting wave in 2001 and had received at least $600,000 from the speaker's PAC.

For their part, Republicans flipped three seats, still leaving the Democrats with a net gain of three without the Harper-Brown seat.

The Democrats see an even divide as their best shot at nabbing the speaker's job.

Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, and Rep. Allan Ritter, D-Nederland, both filed for the speaker contest Wednesday.

Both are popular moderates, considered able to work with Republicans. Other Democrats in the race are Houston Reps. Sylvester Turner, a friend of Mr. Craddick, and Senfronia Thompson, a popular liberal member.

Republican Rep. Tommy Merritt of Longview filed as well, saying that if the Republicans keep their majority, they need someone willing to put members ahead of his own agenda.

"Arrogance and abuse of political power split this House and damaged lifelong alliances forged in what was best for Texas," Mr. Merritt said. "No more."

Eastland Rep. Jim Keffer is another Republican in the race, besides Mr. Craddick.

The speaker's supporters said he shouldn't be underestimated.

"I would never bet against Tom Craddick in any way, shape or form," said Hans Klingler, spokesman for the Texas GOP. "And the Democrats need to be very, very careful because they are crowing about something that hasn't happened yet."