Half a Dozen Candidates for Speaker Rush in After Jordan Dropped, McCarthy Makes New Endorsement

The Republican House voted to drop speaker designee, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), from the running for the position after a third ballot showed Jordan had less support than in the second one.

This from redstate.com.

This all came after a somewhat raucous Thursday evening meeting among the Republican members—including those who represented the no votes—and Jordan, garnered the House Judiciary Committee chairman no new supporters.

Jeff Charles for RedState wrote about the proceedings Friday morning:

CNN Capitol Hill reporter Melanie Zanona indicated in a post on X that voting will conclude for the day and that other candidates ‘will have until noon Sunday to file to run.’

Now, several new puzzle pieces have appeared about the speakership race.

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has endorsed House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) for speaker, according to original reporting by Punchbowl:

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is endorsing House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) for Speaker, The Hill can confirm.

Punchbowl News first reported that McCarthy said:

He is the right person for the job. He can unite the conference. He understand[s] the dynamics of the conference. He also understands what it takes to win and keep a majority.

But Emmer is just one of half a dozen candidates whose names have been put forward Friday. Here is the current confirmed list of names:

Shortly after that tweet, CNN‘s Zanona shared an update on some names that have also been floated (note: the tweet has since been deleted/removed):

Two others strongly considering:—Mark Green, Homeland Security Chairman & Freedom Caucus chair
—Jodey Arrington, Budget Chairman

I think I know the reason why, at least as far as one of the maybes. As I was writing this article, one of those named in the “considering running” list — House Freedom Caucus member and chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) — confirmed through his office that he will not place his name for nomination.

The Hill reported:

Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) has also weighed in, saying that he is mulling a bid for speaker.

Arrington said:

I would say I am seriously considering and still praying about it.

A lot of people to talk to before that decision is made. […]

The Texas lawmaker said he would speak with the rest of his state’s delegation and that:

[A] number of members have asked us to consider it.

There’s now a new timeline on when voting will resume on who assume control of the speaker’s gavel:

The Republican conference will hold a candidate forum at 6:30 p.m. Monday evening and vote on a new Speaker-designate Tuesday morning. Candidates must submit their names by noon on Sunday.

The New York Times reported that:

[S]ome denounced [the new timeline on voting] as too delayed.

Speaker Pro Tem McHenry explained the delay this way, referencing Scalise’s abbreviated run as speaker designee:

[W]e need space and time for candidates to talk to other members. It’s fair to say that Leader Scalise wasn’t given adequate time.

Final thought: If nothing else, Conservatism is identifying RINOs who must be primaried.