The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current income tax expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
 
$
19,404

 
$
17,910

 
$
13,518

State
 
3,252

 
2,322

 
1,877

 
 
22,656

 
20,232

 
15,395

Deferred tax expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
 
2,623

 
(241
)
 
(424
)
State
 
(129
)
 
81

 
(31
)
 
 
2,494

 
(160
)
 
(455
)
 Income Tax Expense
 
$
25,150

 
$
20,072

 
$
14,940