October 23, 2023
UPDATE: Rep. Dan Meuser has dropped out of the race.
The next Speaker of the House of Representatives could be one of these nine men.
Yes – that’s correct. There are 9 republicans running to be speaker. They include Tom Emmer from Minnesota, Kevin Hern from Oklahoma, Pete Sessions from Texas, Austin Scott from Georgia, Byron Donalds from Florida, Jack Bergman from Michigan, Mike Johnson from Louisiana, Dan Meuser from Pennsylvania and Gary Palmer from Alabama.
And if you’re thinking – who?? You’re not alone. Most of these representatives don’t have a big national profile. Sure they’re known in their districts amongst their constituents, but on the national stage, most are fairly unknown.
The only one who’s actually in the current leadership structure for House Republicans and is technically the highest ranking man on the list is representative Tom Emmer – who is currently the House Majority Whip. The whip – in case you’re wondering – is the person responsible for corralling the votes within the party whether that takes making deals or twisting arms. You catch my drift.
Tonight the House Republicans are going to gather to have a private candidate forum where all 9 of these candidates will share their vision for the future of the House and the for the party and answer questions from everyone else.
If all goes well tonight, there could be a secret Republican only conference vote as early as tomorrow to see who the Speaker-Elect will be. If someone can get at least the majority of those Republican votes – he will emerges as the winner and then there will be a full House vote for that person.
But after almost three weeks with no Speaker and two other high profile Republicans losing their chances, the question is, can anyone in the Republican conference get 217 votes which is want he’s going to need to become the next Speaker of the House.
