The chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan (R-OH), will not be the speaker of the House of Representatives after the Republicans practically expelled him from the race. Currently, there are up to 8 potential candidates within the GOP to try to occupy the speaker position.
Some lawmakers have already publicly announced their candidacies, a key step considering Republicans will meet behind closed doors next Monday night at a candidate forum ahead of an anonymous conference-wide election next Tuesday.
Such is the case of Pete Sessions (R-TX), who announced his candidacy this Friday through a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Let's get the House back to work on behalf of the American people. pic.twitter.com/aQF8nXt3sV
— Pete Sessions (@PeteSessions) October 20, 2023
Another Texan legislator, Jodey Arrington, also commented on X that he is evaluating his potential candidacy for speaker.
“With the budget and border as top priorities for our GOP conference and the country, some of my colleagues have encouraged me to run for speaker. I’m honored and seriously considering it,” the Republican said.
With the budget and border as top priorities for our GOP conference and the country, some of my colleagues have encouraged me to run for Speaker.
I’m honored and seriously considering it.
God bless and Go WTX!
— Rep. Jodey Arrington (@RepArrington) October 20, 2023
A candidate with a strong campaign behind him, but who has not had as much press in recent weeks, is retired Marine Corps General Jack Bergman, Republican representative from Michigan, who is already celebrating the support he is getting. He also announced his candidacy with a very emotional message.
“My hat is in the ring, and I feel confident I can win the votes where others could not. I have no special interests to serve; I’m only in this to do what’s best for our Nation and to steady the ship for the 118th Congress,” Bergman wrote in a statement.
“The regular functioning of the federal government can’t wait on useless infighting and arguments,” declared the legislator. “What matters right now is choosing a Speaker in order to make sure that our government—and particularly our military—is funded, and that both our homeland and our critical allies are secure in this time of crisis.”
Austin Scott, a Republican representative from Georgia, is another legislator who has already taken a stand and decided to run for the speaker position.
“If we are going to be the majority we need to act like the majority, and that means we have to do the right things the right way. I supported and voted for Rep. Jim Jordan to be the speaker of the House. Now that he has withdrawn I am running again to be the speaker of the House,” Scott announced.
If we are going to be the majority we need to act like the majority, and that means we have to do the right things the right way. I supported and voted for Rep. Jim Jordan to be the Speaker of the House. Now that he has withdrawn I am running again to be the Speaker of the House.
— Rep. Austin Scott (@AustinScottGA08) October 20, 2023
Byron Donalds, a rising Republican star representing Florida, and a member of the Freedom Caucus, also made public his intention to be the new speaker of the House. He is one of the most conservative candidates so far.
Tonight, I’m announcing my candidacy for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. https://t.co/9DDna5cAC9
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 20, 2023
Oklahoma Representative Kevin Hern drew on his record of success as a legislator to announce his candidacy from a more moderate starting point.
“We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why I’m running for Speaker of the House,” the lawmaker wrote.
We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why I’m running for Speaker of the House. pic.twitter.com/updVLkDCGh
— Congressman Kevin Hern (@repkevinhern) October 20, 2023
According to Fox News, there are two other potential candidates who have not yet announced their candidacy but are seriously evaluating their options.
One is Majority Leader Tom Emmer, R-Minnesota, who, according to a source, is making calls to his colleagues to better weigh his chances for a run for House speaker.
However, according to Breitbart, an Emmer candidacy would be an uphill battle, as a dozen Republicans oppose him assuming the speaker position.
Meanwhile, Mike Johnson, another House leadership Republican, is reportedly considering his own candidacy amid the party’s frenzy and indecision to elect a Speaker.
