It’s a critical time for politicians to announce a run for office. But no one expected this.
And this Republican announced their candidacy in a move that surprised everyone.
Congress is under quite a bit of commotion over electing a new Speaker of the House.
After Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted as Speaker, Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA) were considered front runners for the gavel.
Scalise has recently decided to drop out of the running after not gathering enough support to win the speakership.
“I was very clear we have to have everybody put their agendas on the side and focus on what this country needs,” the Louisiana Congressman said.
“This country is counting on us to come back together. This House of Representatives needs a speaker, and we need to open up the House again.”
Now Jim Jordan appears to be in the lead to become Speaker of the House.
But he’s going to have some company in the race, as U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) has now decided to add his name to the running.
“I have filed to be Speaker of the House,” Scott declared in a post on X.
“We are in Washington to legislate, and I want to lead a House that functions in the best interest of the American people.”
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
This is honestly a bit of a surprise as Congressman Scott has been quiet in his time as a member of the House. For the most part, he’s stayed away from public attention and kept to himself.
Scott will also have an uphill battle to win the speakership, especially since Jordan has gained some notable support from former President Donald Trump and Kevin McCarthy.
MCCARTHY says he is supporting JORDAN
— Aishah Hasnie (@aishahhasnie) October 13, 2023
Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) a more moderate Republican also plans to support Jordan by giving him a nominating speech.
According to Breitbart, Scott’s run is fueled by a “small anti-Jordan contingent within the conference.”
It sounds like Austin Scott is running more to stop Jordan from becoming Speaker, and less to make a name for himself through the position.
Eventually, Republicans will be able to come together and finally pick someone to hold the gavel, but as it stands now, that might take just a little bit longer.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
