Speaker David Wilkins took the House floor Thursday to formally tell representatives that the White House has nominated him to be U.S. ambassador to Canada.

But, he added, he will remain speaker of the House until he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and he urged lawmakers not to get too distracted in the meantime.

“We do have five weeks to go, and I plan to stay focused, and I ask you to stay focused,” the Greenville Republican said. “The next five weeks are going to be the best five weeks we’ve had.”

Wilkins’ announcement officially kicked off the race to replace him.

The contest, which unofficially started weeks ago, already has been described by House members as chaotic and bitter. Members are trying to back the candidate they think will help their region or give them a more prominent role on House committees.

Republicans and Democrats also are strategizing to make sure their party controls who will be the next speaker.

In a morning meeting with the Republican speaker candidates, Wilkins relayed much the same message as he did to the full House — with an extra note.

“He asked us to respect each other and the process and to remember that when this is all over, we’ll all still be friends,” said Rep. Jim Harrison of Columbia.

Harrison is one of three Republicans who hope to be elected speaker. Also running are Rep. Bobby Harrell of Charleston and House Speaker Pro Tem Doug Smith of Spartanburg.

Rep. Doug Jennings, D-Marlboro, also officially got in the race Thursday. Democrats have been a minority in the House since Wilkins and the GOP took over in 1994. Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House by 74 to 50.

Jennings said he understands he’s an underdog — but that’s not really the point of his candidacy.

“I do believe that a group of Democrats, by sticking together, can have a significant impact on the outcome of the race and affect the leadership style of the next speaker,” he said. “This is one of those unique opportunities in time where (Republicans) need us” to win.

Some Republicans want to make sure that isn’t so.

Rep. Tracy Edge, R-Horry, said Jennings’ official entry into the race is further reason for Republicans to decide privately on a candidate.

“Being a majority party that’s divided does nothing but hurt us,” Edge said. Jennings’ candidacy “changes the complexion of the race because no one knows where the votes are.”

House Republican leader Jim Merrill of Charleston said he supports deciding on a speaker within the GOP caucus.

“At the same time, I recognize the inequity of somebody with a one- or two- or three-vote margin” being asked to get out.

Still, he said, “my job is to make sure the power remains firmly in our caucus.”

Democratic Leader Harry Ott of St. Matthews said he’s certain the race will come down to two candidates — but that it will be decided by the full House.

Among the three Republican candidates, Harrell and Harrison are said to be in the lead, though Smith says the race is split evenly three ways.

Nothing but “a vote on the floor” will decide the next speaker, Smith said.

Reach Talhelm at (803) 771-8339 or jtalhelm@thestate.com. Staff Writer Aaron Gould Sheinin contributed to this report.