After the Republican party voted on Friday to withdraw its support for Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as the nominee for House Judiciary Chair, the House is now in search of a new candidate.
This decision came after Jordan failed to secure the necessary 217 votes for the position for the third time.
Since then, several GOP members have declared their candidacy, while others are contemplating entering the race. This will be the third nominee in the span of 17 days, following the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in a historic vote.
Initially, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) was nominated, but faced opposition that led to his withdrawal a day later.
The list of potential nominees is rapidly growing. The House will reconvene on Monday evening to choose a new candidate.
One rumored hopeful is House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.).
Here’s what you should know about Emmer.
Time in the Minnesota House of Representatives
Prior to his election to Congress, Emmer served three terms as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2005 to 2011.
During his tenure in the state office, he served on various committees such as Finance, Health Care, Human Services Policy and Oversight, and the State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology, and Elections.
In 2009, Emmer announced his campaign for governor, gaining an endorsement from former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R).
The gubernatorial race received national attention due to a controversial donation of $150,000 by Target to a political action committee supporting Emmer’s candidacy. This contribution sparked protests.
Ultimately, Emmer narrowly lost to his Democratic opponent Mark Dayton, who held the office until 2019.
Two terms as Chair of the NRCC
After former Rep. Michele Bachmann announced her resignation, Emmer officially declared his candidacy for Minnesota’s sixth district.
He received endorsements from conservative groups like the Tea Party Express and Young Americans for Liberty, as well as numerous Minnesota legislators.
In the general election, Emmer secured victory with 56 percent of the vote, defeating Joe Perske.
Emmer then went on to serve two full terms as the Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 2019 to 2023.
Elected House Majority Whip
Following the Republican victory in the 2022 midterm elections, Emmer competed for the position of House Majority Whip, successfully winning the highly sought-after spot previously held by Scalise.
Whips play a crucial role in assisting party leadership by advancing party bills in the House, tallying votes on key legislation, and maintaining communication within the party.
“It is an honor to be entrusted by my colleagues with the role of Majority Whip. Now the hard work begins,” Emmer said in a statement released at the time. “It’s time to unite our conference and deliver on our promises to the American people.”
Emmer, a former hockey coach, has described the position of Whip as “the best coaching job” he’s ever had.
After 15 rounds of voting to elect McCarthy as Speaker during his first week in the position, Emmer expressed his determination to unite the GOP and rally members to work together.
The Whip’s office has reportedly become a central gathering place for Republicans as they grapple with internal divisions throughout the year.
Rumors of a Speaker bid
Following the secret-ballot vote that pushed Jordan aside on Friday, several individuals have emerged as potential successors to McCarthy.
According to previous reports by The Hill, Emmer has made calls in anticipation of a potential bid for Speaker. If this is true, he is likely to be a frontrunner.
The Whip would be the highest-ranking lawmaker vying for the position after Scalise’s withdrawal.
Having already experienced leadership races in the past, Emmer’s track record could work in his favor to secure the Speaker role.
McCarthy endorses Emmer after Jordan’s failures
Even before Emmer has officially declared his candidacy, he has received a significant boost with McCarthy endorsing him as his successor.
“He is the right person for the job. He can unite the conference. He understands the dynamics of the conference,” McCarthy told Punchbowl News. “He also understands what it takes to win and keep a majority.”
Emmer has also garnered support from another GOP ally, Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), who cast his ballot for Emmer instead of Jordan on the House floor.
However, the race still remains open to any candidate. Members have until noon on Sunday to file their candidacy.
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