McCarthy’s ouster leaves the House adrift as divided Republicans seek to unite behind a new leader

The surprising removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker has left the House in a state of uncertainty, as Republicans grapple with the task of restoring order within their fractured majority and embarking on the challenging and potentially lengthy process of selecting a new leader.

On Wednesday, the House briefly convened before going into recess, with North Carolina Rep. Patrick McHenry serving as the caretaker speaker pro-tempore, albeit with limited authority for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, some Republicans have left Washington, awaiting further developments.

The House intends to conduct the election for a new speaker as early as next week. However, the timing remains uncertain, given the prevailing divisions among Republicans that have led to this upheaval.

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., currently holds a strong position in the race for the speakership. Still, he faces immediate competition from Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the Judiciary Committee chairman, and a favored figure among conservatives, who promptly announced his candidacy. It is expected that other contenders will emerge in due course.

Notably, Kevin McCarthy, the ousted speaker, has not yet expressed his preference for a successor but mentioned that he is on good terms with both Scalise and Jordan, suggesting that “both would do great in the job.”

Nevertheless, doubts persist regarding whether any candidate can secure the 218 votes required to become speaker. McCarthy’s election in January required 15 grueling rounds of voting, despite being the consensus choice of the GOP conference.

House Republicans plan to convene next Tuesday evening at the Capitol for an initial round of internal party voting. Many believe that the selection process should occur discreetly behind closed doors.

This leadership transition occurs against the backdrop of pressing legislative responsibilities, notably the deadline to fund the government by mid-November. Work on this crucial legislation has been delayed due to the speaker’s vacancy, raising the specter of prolonged political paralysis.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has labeled this situation as “dangerous,” emphasizing the urgency of government operations.

President Joe Biden, at the White House, expressed the expectation that the government should continue to function efficiently and appealed for a more collaborative approach. McCarthy’s removal stemmed from his cooperation with Democrats to prevent a government shutdown, and President Biden stressed the need to move beyond adversarial politics.

The election of a new speaker poses a potential risk of exacerbating the internal divisions that have plagued House Republicans throughout the year, particularly if lawmakers introduce new demands before pledging their support.

Scalise, who has been viewed as a potential speaker-in-waiting, carries a reputation for resilience, having survived a gunshot wound during a congressional baseball team practice in 2017. However, he is also contending with a medical battle against blood cancer, leading to occasional absences from the Capitol.

In his appeal for support, Scalise acknowledged the challenges ahead and highlighted his determination to face them head-on, drawing on his past experiences.

Jim Jordan, on the other hand, emphasized his oversight work and aspirations while echoing Scalise’s call for unity in these divided times.

Another contender, Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern, chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest GOP caucus in the House, is expected to join the race, along with Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota.

Meanwhile, some Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, advocate for exploring candidates beyond the Capitol, as permitted by the Constitution, even suggesting the possibility of drafting former President Donald Trump. Trump has expressed willingness to support Republicans in the speakership race but remains primarily focused on his presidential campaign.

In the immediate aftermath of McCarthy’s removal, House Republicans must confront the deep-seated discord that has characterized their conference in recent weeks. A closed-door meeting on Tuesday evening provided a platform for members to vent their frustrations towards the eight Republicans who aligned with Democrats in ousting McCarthy, revealing the raw emotions and divisions within the party.

This ongoing political drama in the House of Representatives not only impacts the future leadership but also raises questions about the ability of the legislative branch to effectively address pressing national issues while navigating internal turbulence.

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• Kevin McCarthy’s Removal as Speaker
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