Speaker's Race Update
October 23, 2023
This week Republicans will once again take to the House floor to attempt to elect a Speaker. However, the GOP will first have to select a nominee from nine candidates. Catch up on the developments below.
Why it matters: The outcome of this week's Speaker election will shape the GOP's leadership, direction, and legislative agenda in the House.
Go deeper: Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) lost three votes on the House floor with the number of GOP opposed to him steadily increasing each time from 20 to 22 and finally 25.
- On Friday, Jordan was prepared to keep going, but asked the GOP Conference for a secret ballot vote to affirm his candidacy. He lost 112-86.
- Earlier in the week, Jordan supported a move to temporarily expand Acting Speaker Pro Tem Patrick McHenry’s (R-NC) powers, but it was rejected among Republicans. This move would likely require Democratic votes.
- Jordan’s exit opened the floodgates with as many as 20 Republicans considering running for Speaker, which narrowed to nine.
- Republicans will hold a candidate forum on Monday evening and vote internally on Tuesday. A floor vote could also be held Tuesday.
What they’re saying: Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) has announced his candidacy and has been endorsed by McCarthy.
- Emmer is viewed as a slight favorite given his current leadership position and experience leading the GOP House’s campaign arm in 2020 and 2022.
- While Emmer reportedly has positive relationships with members of the Freedom Caucus, he is not part of the group.
Yes, but: Former President Donald Trump may be opposed to Emmer, which could generate enough opposition to sink his candidacy.
- Emmer did not vote to overturn the election in January 2021, and he has not been outspoken in defending Trump.
- Still, Trump’s endorsement may not be a kingmaker in the body, as he endorsed both McCarthy and Jordan.
- Other members interested include Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), both of whom were nominated on the floor in January by McCarthy opponents.
Our thought bubble: Many of the predictions with this Speaker’s race outcome have been wrong. Republicans are extremely divided and there is no clear compromise candidate yet.
Contact David McCarthy (dmccarthy@crefc.org) with questions.