U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Yorkville, accepted the nomination Tuesday to continue his historic leadership run as speaker of the House.

“If he serves through the end of this term, he will be the longest-running Republican speaker of the House in a century,” Hastert’s press secretary, Brad Hahn, said.

If elected, Hastert would hold the position for the fourth consecutive term.

Hastert must win 218 votes, or a majority of the 435 House members’ votes. The House, currently made up of 231 Republicans, 201 Democrats, one independent and two undecided members, will vote in January.

Despite the close presidential election, Hastert is reassured by what he considers a favorable political climate for Republicans.

“What a great election,” Hastert said. “What a great time to be a Republican in Washington, D.C.”

Hastert was first elected speaker in 1999, making him the third highest government official in the United States. Hastert is first in line for the presidency if both the president and vice president are unable to serve.

“He appreciates the confidence voters and his colleagues have placed in his leadership,” Hahn said.

The speaker oversees much of the non-legislative business of the House, such as general control over the Hall of the House and the House side of the Capitol. The speaker also serves as the chairman of the House Office Building Commission.

The speaker’s duties include serving as leader of the majority party conference and airing and defending the majority party’s legislative agenda in the House.

Hastert earned his master’s degree in philosophy of education from NIU in 1967.