Republicans Ramp Up Competition for House Speaker Role
WASHINGTON – Following the GOP’s decision to remove Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as their nominee for House speaker, a frenzied contest to fill the position has commenced within the deeply divided House Republican conference. After voting 112-86 to drop Jordan as their nominee, Republican lawmakers are now taking a weekend break to recover from the chaotic events that unfolded on Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, some Republicans have wasted no time in declaring their candidacy, while others are still contemplating a potential run.
When House Republicans return to Washington, they will convene a candidate forum at 6:30 p.m. Monday to listen to prospective speakers. The earliest possible date for the election of a new speaker is Tuesday.
Tom Emmer
According to a reliable source, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., began reaching out to colleagues to express his interest in running for speaker following Jordan’s withdrawal from the race. Emmer, who ranks third among House Republicans, received a significant endorsement from ousted former speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., which bolsters his candidacy. McCarthy still commands the respect of the majority of the House Republican conference, stating, “He is the right person for the job. He can unite the conference. He understands the dynamics of the conference. He also understands what it takes to win and keep a majority,” as reported by Punchbowl News.
Kevin Hern
Shortly after House Republicans dropped Jordan as their nominee, Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., became one of the first candidates to enter the speaker’s race. Hern declared his candidacy to reporters, stressing the need for a different type of leader with a proven track record of success. Hern currently chairs the Republican Study Committee, the largest group of House Republicans with around 170 members. Earlier this month, Hern took initiative by contacting every House Republican to gauge their support for a potential run but ultimately decided against it, opting not to compete against Jordan and House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.
Austin Scott
Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., emerged as a relatively unknown lawmaker until recently when he surprised everyone by challenging Jordan’s bid for speakership, positioning himself as a protest candidate against the conservative firebrand. Although Scott lost the nomination to Jordan, he remained in the race, even receiving some support from GOP holdouts as a protest candidate. Now, with Jordan out of the race, Scott has officially reentered the running, highlighting the support he garnered during his initial campaign.
Byron Donalds
According to a spokesperson from his office, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a member of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, has confirmed his candidacy for speaker. Donalds has played a significant role in negotiations between moderate and ultraconservative GOP lawmakers. During Jordan’s unsuccessful bid for speaker, some members voted for Donalds as a protest candidate.
Jack Bergman
Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., strongly considered challenging Jordan before ultimately deciding not to. However, with Jordan now out of the picture, Bergman wasted no time in announcing his candidacy, expressing confidence that he can secure votes that other candidates could not. He declared, “I have no special interests to serve; I’m only in this to do what’s best for our Nation and to steady the ship for the 118th Congress.”
Jodey Arrington
Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, chair of the House Budget Committee, revealed that he is seriously considering a run for speaker. Although Arrington’s name was considered as an alternative candidate during Jordan’s bid, he initially fell behind the Ohio Republican.
Mike Johnson
Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., vice chair of the House Republican conference, is currently in the process of making calls to colleagues as he contemplates running for speaker. A spokesperson for Johnson confirmed his interest in a potential candidacy.
Pete Sessions
Following Jordan’s withdrawal, Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, swiftly launched his bid for speaker. In a statement, Sessions’ office expressed his belief that he can lead as a conservative figure who can unite the House Republican conference.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Here are the Republicans running for House speaker: What to know.
