While many conservatives believed that Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan was likely to become House speaker, those predictions failed to materialize after Jordan's candidacy fizzled out.
That development has resulted in a number of other candidates scrambling to replace Jordan on the ballot.
According to The Hill, a total of nine Republican lawmakers are currently pursuing campaigns for the House speakership.
They are Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern, Michigan Rep. Jack Bergman, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson, Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Meuser, Alabama Rep. Gary Palmer, Georgia Rep. Austin Scott, and Texas Rep. Pete Sessions.
The candidates were given until noon on Sunday to announce their intentions following a closed-door vote among House Republican members on Friday.
Another closed door meeting took place on Monday, and it is expected to be followed by a conference-wide election on Tuesday.
The Hill reported that former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has already endorsed Emmer, telling Punchbowl News, "He is the right person for the job. He can unite the conference."
Emmer put forward a similar message in a post on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, stating, "I'm running for Speaker of the House to bring our conference together and get back to work."
The American people elected us to deliver on a conservative agenda that secures our border, stops reckless spending, and holds Joe Biden accountable.
We cannot afford to fail them.
I'm running for Speaker of the House to bring our conference together and get back to work. pic.twitter.com/kVFmlQ70PS
— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) October 21, 2023
However, Donalds also promised to bring unity as well, saying, "As Speaker, every voice in our conference will have a seat at the table to ensure our unity and consensus on the legislative battles we face."
Tonight, I am announcing my candidacy for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/1wSwQYqoX2
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) October 20, 2023
Meanwhile, Fox News reported that Bergman released a statement of his in own in which the lawmaker touted his military career.
"I don't leave the battlefield in the middle of the fight, and I make sure that everybody on my left and right on that battlefield is coalesced as a team to win the fight," he pledged.
"I believe with my 40 years of experience, the highest level of leadership in the Marine Corps, my civilian experience… my dedication over my life to service and our country – not this country, our country – is the kind of leadership that the conservative movement needs," Bergman added.
