A day on Capitol Hill is never complete without an unexpected twist or turn.
On Wednesday, October 11, U.S. Representative Steve Scalise secured the Republican Party’s nomination for Speaker of the House. One day later, Scalise surprised the public by pulling out of the race to become the next Speaker of the House.
“I know we’ve been following this. It’s been quite a journey and there’s still a long way to go. I just shared with my colleagues that I’m withdrawing my name as a candidate for the Speaker-designee,” Scalise said late Thursday.
On Friday, U.S. Representative Jim Jordan stepped up as the party’s next choice to become Speaker of the House.
“We can focus on the changes that improve the country and unite us in offering real solutions. But no matter what we do, we must do it together as a conference. I respectfully ask for your support for Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Jordan said.
Jordan is the presumed favorite to become Speaker of the House, but Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia has decided to challenge the Trump-backed candidate.
“I have filed to be Speaker of the House. We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people,” Scott stated.
On Friday, October 13, House Republicans are scheduled to meet for a closed door vote. From there, either Jordan or Scott will be presented as a candidate to fill the vacant position in a general vote on the House floor.
