HARRISBURG - Republicans in the state House of Representatives staged an orderly leadership election Tuesday, promoting their top two leaders another level and rewarding the campaign strategist who led them back to majority status in last week’s general election.

The Republican caucus voted to name Rep. Sam Smith of Jefferson County as its speaker-designate, clearing the way for him to preside over the chamber when the House elects a new speaker in January.

Smith, 55, has served as floor leader since 2003, and before that had been named whip in 2000. The Punxsutawney native, a graduate of Penn State University, succeeded his father, Eugene “Snuffy” Smith, in the House when he was first elected in 1986.

“I haven’t really thought about it, other than feeling the pressure and the responsibility that comes with the office, but I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to serve,” Smith told reporters after the vote.

The new floor leader, now majority leader-elect, will be Rep. Mike Turzai of Allegheny County, currently the minority whip. He said he was committed to run a smoother, more disciplined and more predictable floor operation.

All positions except speaker take effect Dec. 1.

Other leaders elected Tuesday are Rep. Stan Saylor of York County, whip; Rep. Bill Adolph of Delaware County, Appropriations Committee chairman; and Rep. Sandra Major of Susquehanna County, caucus chairwoman. Adolph and Major were re-elected to positions they currently hold, and Saylor was elevated from policy chair.

Rep. Dave Reed of Indiana County is the new policy chairman, Rep. Dick Stevenson of Mercer County was elected caucus administrator, and Rep. Mike Vereb of Montgomery County was picked to be caucus secretary.

Reed ran the campaign effort that succeeded in recapturing a House majority for the Republicans.