In an unprecedented move, Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz and seven other GOP members joined with Democrats last week to oust Kevin McCarthy as House speaker.

That move was followed by sharp criticism from some within Gaetz's own party along with speculation that he may be punished by voters. While the congressman has admitted that is a possibility, Gaetz says he doesn't care. 

Gatez says removing McCarthy would be "absolutely" worth losing his job

According to The Washington Time, Gaetz was asked about the prospect during a weekend appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"If you lose your job, will it be worth it?," the Times quoted "Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker as asking Gaetz on Sunday.

EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) responds to reports of Republican colleagues seeking to kick him out of Congress.@kwelkernbc: “If you lose your job, will it be worth it?”@RepMattGaetz: “Absolutely.” pic.twitter.com/QKtps0oX1l

— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) October 8, 2023

"Absolutely," the Florida congressman said in response. "I am here to fight for my constituents, and I’m here to ensure that America is not on a path to financial ruin."

Gaetz says he could support either Jim Jordan or Steve Scalise

Welker at one point noted that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise are both vying to replace McCarthy as speaker.

While Gaetz indicated that he would be willing to support whichever candidate members of his caucus ultimately chose, the Republican lawmaker did not express a preference for either individual.

"I want to hear both of their specific plans on spending and on single subject appropriations bills," he explained. "If either of those men get the most support in the conference, I’m eager to vote for him on the floor."

Jordan has thus far received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who described him in a Truth Social post as "a star" who is "respected by all."

Rep. Kevin Hern drops out of speaker's race

One person who won't be in the running is Oklahoma Republican Rep. Kevin Hern, who announced late last week that he was dropping out of the race.

"I’ve been on the phone 50+ hours with Republican members and what’s clear is we all want UNITY," Hern said in a tweet on Friday.

I’ve been on the phone 50+ hours with Republican members and what’s clear is we all want UNITY.

I believe a three-man race for Speaker will create even more division and make it harder to elect a Speaker.

Read my letter here: pic.twitter.com/Sea4gPCS94

— Congressman Kevin Hern (@repkevinhern) October 7, 2023

"I believe a three-man race for Speaker will create even more division and make it harder to elect a Speaker," he insisted.