A handshake with the Republican minority leader sealed the deal for Rep. Joe Souki to regain the position he held 13 years ago.

Souki said he has the 28 votes, two more than he needs to oust fellow democrat Calvin Say as speaker.

"It's in writing and I believe it's solid," said Souki,

"This is historic, and I think this shows speaker Souki's willingness to view all 51 members as part of the house and so the minority caucus is  pleased and united as his position as speaker," said Rep. Aaron Ling Johnson.

In exchange for the Republican votes, the GOP will see three vice-chair commitee positions, one in finance, one in energy and one in economic development.