WASHINGTON: The high-stakes speakership battle within the GOP shows no sign of resolution, with more than two weeks having passed since House Republicans ousted Kevin McCarthy.
The quest for a new GOP speaker nominee remains elusive, especially after Rep. Jim Jordan’s exit from the race on Friday, contributing to a growing field of candidates.
Frustrations and divisions within the Republican conference have deepened as they seek a way to break the impasse. This, coupled with the GOP’s narrow majority, raises questions about whether any candidate can secure the 217 votes required to claim the speakership on the House floor.
In the midst of this leadership vacuum, the House remains in a state of paralysis, with Republicans struggling to rally around a speaker candidate. This deadlock occurs against the backdrop of looming threats of a government shutdown next month and ongoing international conflicts.
House Republicans are scheduled to conduct a candidate forum on Monday evening, and more candidates may join the race before then.
The ongoing speakership drama began earlier this month when a group of hardline conservatives voted to remove Kevin McCarthy, marking a historic move that plunged the House into uncharted territory. Subsequently, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s bid for the speakership faced a swift defeat as the conference failed to coalesce around his nomination.
On Friday, Jim Jordan was pushed out of the race after failing in his third attempt to secure the gavel in a floor vote. The Ohio Republican performed worse in this vote compared to previous rounds.
Several candidates have now entered the race to become the next GOP speaker nominee:
Rep. Tom Emmer, currently the majority whip, announced his speakership bid with the aim of delivering “historic change.” Kevin McCarthy is supporting Emmer, providing an early boost to his candidacy.
Rep. Kevin Hern has confirmed his intention to run for speaker and is committed to working hard to secure the necessary support.
Rep. Jack Bergman is running for the speaker role.
Rep. Austin Scott, who initially entered the race against Jordan before dropping out and supporting him, is now running for speaker with the field wide open.
Rep. Byron Donalds, a member of the Freedom Caucus, is seeking the speakership to advance a “conservative vision for the House of Representatives and the American people.”
Rep. Mike Johnson, the House Republican conference vice chairman, has also announced his run for speaker, expressing that he is stepping forward after prayer and deliberation.
The speakership battle remains a pivotal and unfolding story in American politics, with the future of GOP leadership hanging in the balance.
