What’s Happening:
This week, Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz motioned to remove Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker. He relied mostly on Democrat votes to oust the speaker, despite criticisms that McCarthy had relied on Democrat support.
The move has plunged the House into turmoil and uncertainty. Democrats will most likely use the conflict among Republicans in the upcoming election. But one question remains, who will lead the House now that McCarthy is out?
Rep. Gaetz apparently does not want the speakership for himself. McCarthy has refused to seek the role a second time. And several names are being floated around for a possible replacement.
From Fox News:
Here are some of the likely candidates according to Fox News Digital… Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., is viewed by many rank-and-file Republicans as a natural “frontrunner”…If Scalise should pass on the job, the senior GOP aide said Emmer is waiting in the wings as another likely candidate… Another “Kevin” in the mix is Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., the leader of the 175-member strong Republican Study Committee…
House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, emerged as a favorite candidate among GOP hardliners on Tuesday night, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who triggered McCarthy’s ouster earlier this week.
Fox News is reporting that four names are being floated around as possible replacements for House Speaker McCarthy. First in line appears to be Rep. Steve Scalise, a strong House GOP leader from Louisiana.
After him, there are two key leaders within the House, Reps. Tom Emmer and Kevin Hern. Another name being discussed is House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan. Jordan has been one of the top Republican leaders heading investigations against the Biden family and the Biden administration.
Another name being discussed is Byron Donalds, who was nominated for the speaker back in January.
It appears Rep. Jordan is angling for the role. According to breaking news, he is seeking support within the party for votes.
From The Post Millennial:
Rep. Jim Jordan has sent a letter to House colleagues urging their support as he runs for Speaker of the House.“The American people have entrusted us to lead in the House of Representatives. Our majority has had success in the first nine months of the 118th Congress. We should be proud of what we have achieved together in these divided times,” the letter addressed to colleagues stated.
Whoever takes up the gavel after McCarthy will have a tough job. House Republicans appear to be divided. With such a slim majority, they are at risk of losing control of the lower chamber after the next election.
The next Speaker will have to oversee the impeachment inquiry against Biden, unite the GOP, and stave off aggressive attacks by Democrats–who are eager to recapture the House. And somewhere, admits all of that, they have to pass legislation that will actually help the American people.
Key Takeaways:
- Several names are being discussed to replace McCarthy as House Speaker.
- McCarthy decided not to seek the job after Matt Gaetz got him removed.
- Among the names is Rep. Jim Jordan, who is seeking support among Republicans.
Source: Fox News, The Post Millennial
