House Republicans are getting ready to vote for a speaker candidate for the third time, following the withdrawal of their previous two nominees. The GOP lawmakers will meet behind closed doors on Tuesday morning for an anonymous secret ballot election. Currently, there are nine Republicans vying for the speakership, including Tom Emmer, Mike Johnson, Gary Palmer, Kevin Hern, Byron Donalds, Jack Bergman, Austin Scott, Pete Sessions, and Dan Meuser. Emmer appears to be the front-runner, with endorsements from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Donalds and Bergman also have several endorsements. (source: Fox News)
House Republicans voted to remove Jim Jordan as their nominee for speaker, after he failed to secure enough votes in three rounds on the House floor. At least nine Republicans have entered the race, including Kevin Hern, Jack Bergman, Byron Donalds, Tom Emmer, Mike Johnson, Austin Scott, Pete Sessions, Gary Palmer, and Dan Meuser (who dropped out on Monday). (source: Anders Hagstrom)
The House of Representatives has been without a speaker since October 3rd, when Kevin McCarthy was ousted by all Democrats and eight Republicans. Patrick McHenry is currently serving as interim speaker. The powers of the interim speaker are limited, and they can only hold a vote on the floor if it’s for the next speaker. McHenry also has administrative oversight and power, as demonstrated by his order to evict Nancy Pelosi from her Capitol office. (source: Anders Hagstrom)
The last time the House speaker position was vacant was in 1923, when Frederick H. Gillett was re-elected as Speaker of the House after a deadlock. Prior to that, in the mid-1850s, lawmakers took nearly two months and 133 ballots to select Nathaniel Banks as speaker. (source: Anders Hagstrom)
The House Republicans have adjourned their closed-door meeting after the remaining speaker candidates made their pitches. Dan Meuser dropped out of the race, leaving eight candidates. The frontrunner is unclear, but Tom Emmer and Byron Donalds have the most endorsements. There is a consensus among the GOP conference that it’s time to move forward and have a new speaker in place by Tuesday night. (source: Brandon Gillespie)
Republicans’ race to nominate and elect a new speaker of the House has created a power vacuum that may benefit Democrats. There are currently nine candidates in the running, and the length of the debate raises questions about potential voter backlash in 2024. Jim Jordan failed to secure enough votes in his third round, leading to further uncertainty. The election of a new speaker could reduce the chances of a Democratic takeover and help address international crises. (source: Brandon Gillespie)
Rep. Don Bacon believes that the House will have a new speaker by Tuesday night. Each candidate is making a strong case for their speakership, and the GOP conference needs to ensure they have the necessary votes before going to a full House vote. Dan Meuser dropped out of the race, leaving eight candidates remaining. (source: Brandon Gillespie)
The House Freedom Caucus is demanding that Congress stay in session until a new speaker is elected, as the House of Representatives enters a period of uncertainty without a speaker.
