The GOP has been thrown plenty of surprises this year. But no one expected this.
And the Republican party is in shock after top candidate’s withdrawal.
U.S. Congress is currently operating under a temporary Speaker of the House in Patrick McHenry (R-NC).
After Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) led efforts that successfully saw the ousting of Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker, Republicans have been looking for a permanent replacement.
Congressmen Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA) are two of the candidates that have been floated around as possible replacements. Former President Donald Trump has also received some support to become House Speaker, however he has gone ahead and endorsed Jordan for the role.
But Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) also was a name people considered to run for the speakership’s vacancy.
Hern however, has decided to formally withdraw from the running, citing unity within the GOP as the reason.
“I’ve been on the phone 50+ hours with Republican members and what’s clear is we all want UNITY,” Hern said in a post on X.
“I believe a three-man race for Speaker will create even more division and make it harder to elect a Speaker.”
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
In the social media post, the Congressman also included a letter that further detailed why he dropped out of the race.
“Now is the time to put the future of our nation first because a divided majority will result in an even more fractured country. This is bigger than me or any one person,” the letter said.
The recent infighting within the Republican Party has caused quite a bit of turmoil over the past month.
Whether it’s between Gaetz and McCarthy, or RINO Republicans and hardcore conservatives over Ukraine spending, the party is in need of unity like Kevin Hern suggests.
“I called, texted or met in-person with all 221 members of the House Republican Conference, asking each member what they want to see in the next Speaker and how we can move forward as a Majority,” the Congressman continued.
“The overwhelming response I heard from you is that we must unify and come out of this situation stronger as a Majority. While many of you have emphasized the necessity for new blood in our leadership, the need for unity comes first and foremost.”
By dropping out of the race for House Speaker, Hern has essentially created a two-candidate race in Jordan and Scalise for the gavel.
It will allow members of Congress to easily hone in on the candidate they feel is best to hold the position of Speaker.
The House will also hopefully be able to come to a deciding vote sooner than later, since the pool of candidates has shrunken.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
