After Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) was voted out of the election, House Republicans are starting from scratch to select a new candidate for speaker.
Immediately following a closed-door House GOP vote on whether to retain Jordan as speaker-designate, at least eight individuals have emerged as potential candidates to lead the House, as Fox News reported.
On Monday evening, Republicans are expected to meet behind closed doors for a candidate forum prior to Tuesday's conference-wide election via anonymous secret ballot.
Kevin Hern, R-Oklahoma, chair of the Republican Study Committee, was among the first GOP lawmakers to enter the race on Friday afternoon.
"We must unify and do it fast," Hern said in a statement. "We need a different type of leader who has a proven track record of success, which is why I’m running for Speaker of the House."
Retired Marine Corps General Jack Bergman (R-MI) told Fox News Digital that he was also entering the race after receiving requests from "across the spectrum" of the Republican Party.
"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," Bergman said in an interview.
"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."
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) who was nominated by GOP lawmakers on the House floor during Jordan's bid, is also seeking the position of speaker, according to his office.
"Under my leadership, the House will lead the charge to advance a simple objective: put the American people first, keep them safe, and make their lives easier," Donalds said in a statement.
Majority Leader Tom Emmer, R-Minnesota, is also contacting colleagues about a possible run for speaker, according to a source familiar with his intentions who spoke with Fox News Digital.
On Saturday, Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, sent a letter to his colleagues formally proclaiming his candidacy for speaker.
Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., who challenged Jordan in the last secret ballot for speaker of the House Republicans, is also back in the race, according to a spokesperson for his campaign.
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) also declared his candidacy for speaker on Friday afternoon.
