FOX News senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports that the House is experiencing a level of mayhem and chaos never seen before on ‘Your World.’ House Republicans selected a new candidate for speaker on Friday after days of disarray kicked off by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s historic ouster from the job.
In a closed-door House GOP conference, House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, was nominated for the position, winning 124 votes to Rep. Austin Scott’s 81. This unexpected outcome was deemed underwhelming for the race’s frontrunner, Jordan. Scott, a member with a comparatively lower profile, had jumped into the race just minutes before it began.
However, the selection of Jordan as the new candidate for speaker was not the end of the chaos. Republicans launched into a second secret ballot vote to gauge support for Jordan on the House floor. Fifty-five House Republicans expressed their intention to vote against Jordan, raising concerns about his ability to secure the speakership. To win, Jordan can only afford to lose four Republican votes.
House lawmakers have now adjourned for the weekend, with a vote for speaker possibly expected on Tuesday. Jordan has stated his preference for delaying a House-wide vote until Republicans can regroup and discuss further.
This tumultuous situation arose after Majority Leader Steve Scalise dropped out of the speaker race on Thursday night. Scalise had previously won a majority of 113 votes via secret ballot in the GOP’s first attempt to choose a replacement for McCarthy. However, mounting opposition forced him to withdraw from the race.
The unexpected entry of Rep. Austin Scott into the speaker race added another twist to the already chaotic situation. Scott surprised many, including himself, when he entered the race without any preparation or prior whipping of support. In his statement, Scott emphasized the need for Republicans to do things the right way in order to secure the majority.
The House Republicans’ struggle to select a new speaker was further complicated by failed measures aimed at raising the nomination threshold. This was the second time they had to pick a candidate following McCarthy’s ouster.
The outcome of the upcoming vote for speaker remains uncertain, with tensions running high within the Republican Party. The House is bracing for further political upheaval as this unprecedented chaos continues to unfold.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital, focusing on Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Her previous bylines can be seen at Daily Mail and CBS News. For the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].
