State Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, said he is “fired up” to fight for more conservative footing within the state House.

Schaefer on Thursday announced he would seek a second term as District 6 representative before more than a dozen members of the Smith County Republican Women’s Club.

“It’s a humbling experience to serve the public and realize you can’t do anything by yourself,” he said. “I am as fired up as I’ve ever been to go to Austin and fight for more responsible government, fewer regulations and more opportunity for Texans.”

Schaefer, an attorney, developer, Naval Reserve lieutenant commander and former East Texas Regional Director for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, defeated long-time District 6 Rep. Leo Berman in the 2012 Republican primary.

He continued his strong stance against House leadership.

Schaefer didn’t call names, but he expressed his belief that conservative legislation, including the omnibus anti-abortion legislation that eventually passed in a second special session, did not have the full backing of leadership.

Sen. Wendy Davis’ “filibuster wasn’t what killed the bill,” he said. “If it had moved quicker during the session it would have gotten done.”

As a freshman House member, Schaefer served on the Criminal Jurisprudence and the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committees. Schaefer was among 40 freshman legislators during the 2013 session. Half of the House membership were serving in either their first or second session.

Schaefer said he is confident the election of more like-minded conservatives will bolster efforts to scale down state government, reduce business regulation, increase individual liberties and fight against lobby groups and social progressives.

Lobbyists “work, plan and plot” for rich people trying to buy Austin in search of profit, he said. Schaefer said gay rights activists gained ground during the last session and will push “full force” in the 2015 session.

Campaign reports showed he raised $28,433 since January. He had more than $51,000 in his campaign coffers as of July 15.

Schaefer is expected to be challenged for the District 6 seat.

“I hope to grow (conservative) numbers (in the House) and slow the ship and turn it around,” he said. “With the help of God and the permission of voters, we will.”