(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) In the wake of the removal of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as the speaker designee, the race for the next House speaker has intensified, with several notable names emerging as potential contenders
As reported by Politico on Friday, among the key figures vying for the coveted position are Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern, R-Okla., and several others including Reps. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., Austin Scott, R-Ga., Jack Bergman, R-Mich. and Byron Donalds, R-Fla.
The spotlight has particularly shone on Emmer, who was considered a potential successor to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. However, the field remains open as more announcements are expected before the Monday deadline.
The turmoil began when Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., accused McCarthy of a backstabbing approach in negotiations with President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats, resulting in a continuing resolution that failed to address Republican priorities.
The path to victory remains uncertain for all contenders, as none of the candidates have secured the 217 votes needed for the nomination. Even House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., failed to garner sufficient support, opening the door for Jordan to run. Ultimately, Scalise allegedly refused to publicly endorse Jordan, delivering a fatal blow to Jordan’s bid.
Commenting on the intensity of the race, Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., expressed skepticism at the unpreparedness of the races.
“It’s probably impossible to announce a campaign for speaker in just a couple of days,” LaLota said. “The process took [Kevin] McCarthy and [Nancy] Pelosi and many others months and years to build a confidence [among] members to get across the finish line. And to try to do so in a week, it’s pretty futile.”
Meanwhile, a potential coalition government between House Republicans and Democrats to empower Speaker pro tempore Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., looms as an alternative.
“It was pretty clear that we need to empower a speaker. And for whatever reason, this group didn’t feel that was something that they wanted to do,” said Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio, who is leading the contentious effort. “So here we are.”
