Staff Reports
Unpredictably, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has endorsed Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer for the nomination to succeed him as speaker. Subsequently, Republican legislators voted to remove Representative Jim Jordan from office as their designated candidate for speaker. Emmer, the incumbent No. 3 Republican leader in the chamber, began rallying support from his fellow Republicans as soon as possible in order to secure the nomination. McCarthy conveyed his trust in Emmer, affirming that he is the ideal candidate for the position and possesses the capacity to successfully galvanize the conference while comprehending the intricacies and demands of majority rule.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Friday endorsed Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer to succeed him after GOP lawmakers voted to remove Rep. Jim Jordan as their designated candidate for speaker. https://t.co/hIJhGjbUv9
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 20, 2023
The House Republicans have shifted course with their support for Emmer, as at least six other representatives are now contemplating running for the coveted speaker position. Despite being initially favoured by extreme conservatives, conservative provocateur Jordan was unable to secure the required 217 votes to advance due to opposition from over two dozen Republican holdouts. Appropriators in the House were among those who opposed Jordan's proposal to substantially reduce federal expenditure.
Furthermore, certain members of Congress harboured resentment towards the manner in which McCarthy was removed from office, and they now perceive Jordan as a chance to exact revenge. Moreover, apprehensions arose regarding Jordan's insufficient active endorsement of Steve Scalise, the Republican majority whip and the initial nominee of the House GOP caucus prior to his withdrawal from the race. As the House Republicans gear up for an additional candidates' forum behind closed doors on Monday, the outcome of Emmer's speaker campaign and the potential entrants into the race for the position remain uncertain.
