On the 20th Day of Leadership Vacuum, Lesser-Known Republicans Seek Trump’s Endorsement in Quest for Speakership

As the 20th day without a Speaker of the House dawned, the Republican Party faced renewed challenges on Monday, groping for direction and unity as they struggled with internal questions about leadership, legislative agenda, and the path to restoring congressional functionality.

Late into the evening, GOP members convened to listen to abbreviated addresses from congressmen vying for the speaker’s position, although none appear to be a definitive choice for the role. The field has narrowed to eight candidates after one, Rep. Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania, withdrew his candidacy. In private sessions, these candidates made succinct appeals to their peers before internal party ballots are cast.

Topping the list of contenders is Minnesota’s Rep. Tom Emmer, but it seems unlikely that he or any other less-prominent Republicans will swiftly garner the requisite majority. Instead, many are turning to former President Donald Trump for endorsement before the forthcoming internal elections.

Donald Trump, currently leading the GOP pack for the 2024 presidential race and recently registering for New Hampshire’s primary, indicated that numerous candidates have contacted him for support. Regarding Emmer, Trump stated, “He telephoned me yesterday to express that he is my biggest supporter.”

Trump minimized the influence of Emmer, the third-ranking House Republican, with whom he has had a turbulent relationship. He portrayed himself as an influential arbiter who holds conversations with “numerous congressmen” desiring his approval.

“Only one entity can truly accomplish this task: Jesus Christ,” he opined.

Since the removal of Kevin McCarthy, House Republicans have consistently held confidential deliberations, spending hours attempting to chart a course forward. Each candidate was allocated two minutes for introductory remarks, followed by a question-and-answer session. A nominee will be selected in a meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

“Clearly, we need to get our affairs in order; no more excuses, it’s time to act,” commented Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., a leader within the conservative caucus.

The earlier enthusiasm that marked the ousting of McCarthy by a faction led by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida has devolved into a grave governance crisis. Internal discord and increasingly acrimonious rivalries are hampering the routine proceedings of Congress.

With a looming deadline of November 17 for passing essential funding legislation, the federal government once again stands at the brink of a shutdown. Concurrently, President Joe Biden has requested a $105 billion aid package aimed at assisting Israel and Ukraine in their respective conflicts, as well as bolstering U.S.-Mexico border security. Various federal programs, including those related to aviation and agriculture, are at risk of expiration if Congress fails to act.

Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, urged prompt action, stating to reporters, “It’s time to conclude this; the electorate demands resolution.”

However, internecine struggles seem to outweigh any shared sense of urgency. After ousting McCarthy, the GOP further splintered by rejecting Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan as his potential successors.

Initially instigated over objections to McCarthy’s fiscal leadership, the battle for the speaker’s chair has devolved into a tangled web of political and personal grievances spanning various factions and personalities.

“Does anyone possess the ability to garner sufficient support? I doubt it,” said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, who has suggested Trump should assume the speaker’s role on multiple occasions.

While Trump has mostly remained a background figure, his influence permeates GOP dynamics. Although he initially undermined Scalise’s candidacy by supporting Jordan, his influence waned when moderate GOP conservatives declined to back the latter.

“Coercion won’t work here; persuasion is the key,” noted Johnson.

With the House in an unprecedented situation, having ousted a sitting speaker for the first time ever, it is currently under the provisional leadership of Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., chairman of the Financial Services Committee.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, Republican leader Mitch McConnell commented, “I’m no expert on the House. My focus is here in the Senate. We hope the House regains its functionality soon.”

For now, Emmer and other candidates aim to rally the fractured Republican majority around their individual bids for leadership. Alongside Emmer and Sessions, other candidates include Rep. Mike Johnson, an amiable lawyer from Louisiana; Rep. Kevin Hern, a former McDonald’s franchise owner; and Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida freshman closely aligned with Trump.

Intraparty elections are slated for Tuesday. With eight candidates, multiple rounds may be necessary to finalize a nominee, who will then face a floor vote in the House.

To quell ongoing disputes, some GOP members are insisting that candidates pledge their support to whomever is ultimately nominated, as mandated by the rules of the Republican majority.

Contributions to this report were made by Stephen Groves, Jill Colvin, Farnoush Amiri, Kevin Freking, and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire.

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