Nine candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the position of House Speaker after Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, withdrew his bid last week, announced House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., on Sunday. The deadline to announce speaker bids was noon ET Sunday, and the GOP candidate forum is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET Monday. An internal conference vote is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, with Speaker Pro Tem Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., expressing his intention to move to a floor vote “as soon as Tuesday.”
Jordan’s speakership bid fell apart after he faced his third defeat on the House floor last week. During a closed-door meeting, 86 Republicans voted in favor of Jordan, but 112 Republicans expressed their desire to move forward with a different candidate.
Here are the contenders who have announced their bids:
1. Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota
Emmer, the No. 3 Republican in leadership, officially announced his bid Saturday, receiving an endorsement from ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Emmer pledged to uphold a culture of teamwork, communication, and respect, even in disagreements.
2. GOP Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson of Louisiana
Johnson, an attorney and former talk show host serving his fourth term, emphasized the need for decisive action and a leader dedicated to conservative principles and policies. He previously supported Jordan’s speakership bid.
3. Jack Bergman of Michigan
Bergman, a retired Marine lieutenant general in his fourth term, stressed the urgency of choosing a Speaker to ensure the functioning of the federal government, particularly in times of crisis.
4. Byron Donalds of Florida
Donalds, a second-term lawmaker, focused his bid on securing borders, responsible government funding, advancing conservative values, and expanding the Republican majority.
5. Kevin Hern of Oklahoma
Hern, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, emphasized the need for unity and a different type of leader with a proven track record of success.
6. Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania
Meuser, a former business executive, emphasized bringing a business perspective to gain consensus. He served on the Financial Services and Small Business committees.
7. Gary Palmer of Alabama
Palmer, a fifth-term congressman, has chaired the Republican Policy Committee since 2019. He aims to unite the party and forge a positive path as a conservative leader.
8. Austin Scott of Georgia
Scott, who previously challenged Jordan for Speaker, reiterated his commitment to doing the right things the right way, emphasizing the need for the Republican majority to act accordingly.
9. Pete Sessions of Texas
Sessions, a former Rules Committee chairman and chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, believes he can unite the party as a conservative leader.
The race for the House Speaker position is expected to intensify leading up to the internal conference vote on Tuesday. Stay tuned for further updates as the Republican Party navigates this pivotal decision.
