FOX News senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports that no vote will happen until at least Tuesday for a new House Speaker, making this the longest vacancy since the mid-19th century. The race for the speaker’s gavel got even more complex Friday after Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, dropped out of the race and a number of Republicans jumped in. One candidate with favorable backing is Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., who announced his candidacy Friday. Emmer has already scored a major endorsement from ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who was ousted more than two weeks ago by eight Republicans voting with House Democrats.
The battle for the House Speaker position has taken an unexpected turn, with Rep. Jim Jordan withdrawing his bid and multiple Republican candidates emerging. Majority Whip Tom Emmer, who announced his candidacy on Friday, has gained support from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. However, it remains to be seen if Emmer can unite the various factions within the GOP.
“He is the right person for the job. He can unite the conference,” McCarthy said. “He understands the dynamics of the conference. He also understands what it takes to win and keep a majority.”
Emmer, in a letter to Republican members of Congress, expressed his determination to fight for the House majority and deliver on the conservative agenda. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and respect in building on the success Republicans had in winning back the House majority in 2022.
One of Emmer’s strengths is his ability as a fundraiser. He raised $9.2 million for House races in the 2022 election cycle and has already raised $7.6 million for the 2024 election cycle. However, Emmer may face opposition from the hard-right side of the Republican caucus, with reports suggesting that former President Trump is urging members not to vote for Emmer.
Emmer, an attorney, former hockey player and coach, and a father of seven, currently holds the position of House majority whip. He is known for his negotiation skills and his experience in building consensus, which he developed through his work as an attorney and starting a youth hockey team in Delano, Minnesota.
The House majority whip’s interest in politics was sparked when he fought to save oak and maple trees in his front yard from being removed for a new road. This incident led him to get involved in local politics and eventually run for office.
Emmer’s candidacy comes after Jordan’s failed bid for the speaker’s gavel. House Republicans are now starting from scratch to select a new candidate for speaker. A conference-wide election via secret anonymous ballot is scheduled for Tuesday, following a candidate forum on Monday.
The outcome of the House Speaker race will have significant implications for the Republican Party and their ability to maintain their majority in the House. Republicans are closely watching the developments, as they navigate the complexities of internal party dynamics and seek to rally behind a leader who can effectively advance their conservative agenda.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
