Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise join race to replace McCarthy.
The Race to Replace Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Heats Up
The race to replace ousted House speaker Kevin McCarthy took shape on Wednesday as Steve Scalise, the chamber’s No. 2 Republican, and Jim Jordan, a leading antagonist of President Joe Biden, said they would seek the post.
The two lawmakers could be joined by several other candidates in what promises to be a lengthy and likely messy battle to fill the post in the House where Republicans hold a majority.
Republican lawmakers emerging from a private meeting mainly named the two as leading candidates.
Tuesday’s historic removal of McCarthy, driven by a rebellious faction of Republicans joined by the Democratic caucus, marked the first time the chamber has removed its leader from a position that is second in line to the president after the vice president.
Republicans have set an Oct. 11 vote to choose a successor and are due to meet the day before to hear from their candidates.
The leadership fight is eating into the time lawmakers have to extend government spending before it expires on Nov. 18 and update farm-subsidy and nutrition programs, among other tasks.
Scalise: McCarthy’s Heir Apparent
Majority Leader Scalise, who has been getting treatment for cancer, has long been considered McCarthy’s heir apparent and has been meeting privately with Republicans to build support for his bid. He is seen as more conservative than McCarthy.
He was critically wounded in 2017 when a man who had criticized Republicans on social media shot him and other party lawmakers as they were practicing for a baseball game.
“We all need to come together and pull in the same direction to get the country back on the right track,” he wrote in a letter to Republicans.
(Reporting by David Morgan, Moira Warburton, and Richard Cowan; writing by Andy Sullivan; editing by Scott Malone, Cynthia Osterman, and Howard Goller)
What impact does Kevin McCarthy’s departure from the role of House Speaker have on the power dynamics within the House of Representatives?
Ed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is heating up, as contenders from both sides of the aisle vie for the coveted position. McCarthy’s abrupt departure from the role has left a power vacuum in the House of Representatives, and now politicians from both parties are racing to fill it.
On the Republican side, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s resignation has shocked the party, leaving them scrambling to find a suitable replacement. McCarthy had been a popular and influential figure within the GOP, and his departure has thrown a wrench into their plans for the future.
One of the frontrunners for the Republican nomination is House Minority Whip Steve Scalise. Scalise, a Louisiana congressman, is known for his conservative views and strong relationships within the Republican Party. He has already garnered support from key members of the GOP, and many believe he has a good chance of securing the position.
However, Scalise is not the only contender for the role. Other Republicans, such as House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan, have also expressed interest in taking on the position. Stefanik, in particular, has gained attention for her role in defending former President Donald Trump during his impeachment trial. Her staunch loyalty to the party and conservative values have made her a favorite among some Republicans.
Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has vowed to find a strong replacement for McCarthy. Pelosi, a veteran politician and skilled negotiator, has earned the respect of many Democrats during her time in office. She is known for her ability to unify the party and push through important legislation, and she is determined to find someone who can continue her work.
One of the main contenders for the Democratic nomination is House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Hoyer, a Maryland congressman, is seen as a steady hand within the Democratic Party. He has served in Congress for decades and has a deep knowledge of legislative procedures. Many Democrats believe he would be a suitable replacement for McCarthy and can continue to lead the party effectively.
Other potential candidates include House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries and House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth. Both Jeffries and Yarmuth have proven themselves to be effective leaders within the party and have a track record of pushing for progressive policies.
As the race to replace McCarthy intensifies, both parties are carefully considering their options. The next House Speaker will have a crucial role in shaping the legislative agenda and setting the tone for the House of Representatives. The choice could have far-reaching consequences for the direction of the country.
It remains to be seen who will ultimately take on the role, but one thing is certain – the race to replace Kevin McCarthy has captured the attention of politicians and observers on both sides of the aisle. As contenders from both parties vie for the position, the future leadership of the House hangs in the balance.
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