(LibertySons.org) – Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) lost his position as Speaker of the House after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a motion to vacate the chair, and the lower chamber voted 216 to 210 to approve it. With the seat now awaiting the California lawmaker’s permanent replacement for the term, the question as to who will step up to the challenge remains in the air. Names of a few contenders have been circulating, but one of them — Kevin Hern (R-OK) — is narrowing the contest by withdrawing his name.
Hern, despite being among McCarthy’s few advocates, was an initial contender for the seat, and according to a post he shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the congressman seriously considered running once more for the position. He had put his name in for consideration before the last set of votes that ultimately named McCarthy House speaker, noting that the time hadn’t been right back then.
The timing apparently still isn’t right for Hern, who just published a copy of his formal statement on the matter on X. He said that there were two other clear contenders and felt that too many names in the race would extend the voting period. So, in the name of Republican unity, the Oklahoma representative was backing out of the contest.
The other serious contenders are Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Jim Jordan (R-OH), both of whom Hern also considers “good friends.” Daily Caller obtained a copy of Scalise’s letter announcing his candidacy. The representative expressed his love for his country and said he felt called to serve, even despite the attempt against his life in 2017. Jordan attached a copy of a letter he sent to his fellow House members on X, insisting he would push the agendas McCarthy allowed to fall to the wayside.
Scalise is currently suffering from blood cancer. Considering the Speaker of the House is third in line for the presidency, his health issues could make Jordan the clear front-runner.
~Here’s to Our Liberty!
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