Staff Reports
In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Steve Scalise has officially withdrawn from the race to become the next House speaker. Despite securing the Republican Party’s nomination, Scalise fell short of the required 217 votes needed on the House floor to claim the coveted gavel. This setback highlights the challenging position any Republican nominee will face, as they can only afford to lose four GOP votes. Even President Trump acknowledged this predicament, even with his endorsement of Rep. Jim Jordan.
I have filed to be Speaker of the House. We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people.
— Rep. Austin Scott (@AustinScottGA08) October 13, 2023
But hold on to your hats, folks, because there’s a new contender in town! Introducing Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia, a seven-term lawmaker who has quietly thrown his hat into the ring. While many may not have heard of him, Scott is determined to make a name for himself. In announcing his bid for the speakership, Scott emphasized his desire to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people. It’s refreshing to see a candidate who prioritizes legislating over political grandstanding.
However, it won’t be an easy road for Rep. Scott. He’ll face an uphill battle against the well-established Rep. Jordan. Nonetheless, Jordan remains optimistic about his chances. Confident in his ability to unite the conference and effectively communicate their mission to the American people, Jordan is eager to get the House back on track as soon as possible. Let’s hope the race for speakership brings out the best in all the candidates and ultimately leads to efficient governance for the American people.
