House Republicans selected Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., as the party’s nominee for speaker behind closed doors Wednesday morning — though questions remain if Scalise will be able to secure the 217 votes needed to win the position on the floor.
Scalise defeated House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, paving the way for floor action as early as Wednesday afternoon, lawmakers leaving the GOP conference meeting said. The vote was 113-99, according to Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.
Scalise would replace the former speaker, Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who was stunningly removed from his role by eight Republicans and all House Democrats after Florida Republican Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate the speaker position last week.
