McCarthy hits back after Matt Gaetz-led coup to oust him
Rep Jim Jordan (R-OH) has announced that he’s running for speaker as a matchup against Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) looks likely.
Mr Jordan, a Trump ally, simply said “yes” when asked if he’s a candidate to replace Rep Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who was ousted on Tuesday – the first time in history that a speaker has been ousted via a motion to vacate. Mr Jordan told reporters that he had just spoken to Mr Scalise.
Other candidates include Rep Kevin Hern (R-OK), the chair of the rightwing group called the Republican Study Committee, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN).
This comes as Mr McCarthy said Rep Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) move to oust him as House speaker “was personal”.
The 216-210 motion to vacate vote included eight Republicans: Reps Andy Biggs, Ken Buck, Tim Burchett, Eli Crane, Bob Good, Nancy Mace, Matt Rosendale, and ringleader Mr Gaetz of Florida.
The last attempted vote was in 1910.
In his absence, Rep Patrick McHenry (R-NC) is serving as speaker pro tempore and has ordered Nancy Pelosi to vacate her offices.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr McCarthy said that he will not run for his old job again.
