Republicans Scramble for House Speaker Successor in the Aftermath of McCarthy’s Removal

As the current majority leader, Scalise, McCarthy’s long-considered successor, announced his candidacy, emphasizing his track record in building consensus. Health concerns due to his diagnosis of multiple myeloma may factor into his run.

Kevin Hern, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is seriously considering a run. He gained support during the speaker elections in January and voted against additional aid to Ukraine last week.

Representative Patrick McHenry, McCarthy ally and House Financial Services Committee chair is also in the mix. McHenry, a ten-term congressman from North Carolina, previously a member of House GOP leadership, gained attention during recent debt limit negotiations. A classic fiscal conservative, he has never voted for a tax increase. McHenry, handpicked by McCarthy, faces challenges within the GOP and far-right members.

Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District also plans to run for House majority leader. Emmer, previously the House majority whip under McCarthy, supports Rep. Steve Scalise for the House speaker position. 

The removal of McCarthy, initiated by Rep. Matt Gaetz, sets up a unique showdown, testing the ability of contenders to unite the House GOP conference.

Representative for Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District, veteran Tom Cole of the House Rules Committee, is a potential candidate. A member of the Republican Party, Cole currently serves as the chairman of the House Rules Committee.

Former President Donald Trump and McCarthy himself have ruled out seeking the role again.

These candidates face the challenge of uniting the GOP, addressing legislative issues, and navigating divisions within the party. The total House vote on the speaker will be crucial, with Democrats likely opposing any Republican candidate unanimously.

Photo Courtesy: ©Getty Images/Samuel Corum / Stringer

Video Courtesy: Reuters via YouTube

Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ. Join her on the journey as she launches her new site Joy Overflowing, or join her longstanding community at Sunny&80. She is also the author of “Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,” “Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,” “Glory Up, The Everyday Pursuit of Praise,” “Home, Finding Our Identity in Christ,” and “Sent, Faith in Motion (October 2023 release). She earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay home and raise her two daughters …which led her to pursue her writing passion. A contributing writer for Salem Media since 2016, Meg is now thrilled to be a part of the editorial team as the Editor of ChristianHeadlines.com. Always active in her community and the local church, Meg also leads Bible study and serves as a leader for teen girls. 

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