In a significant political development, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise emerged victorious in the GOP’s internal vote, defeating Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan in a secret-ballot contest with a vote of 113 to 99. This victory marks a culmination of Scalise’s ten-year-long ascent within Republican leadership. However, the real challenge lies ahead for Scalise, as he must now secure near-unanimous support on the House floor to become the next speaker. This requires him to maintain the support of most of his fellow Republicans, allowing for no more than four defections. This task appears daunting due to the deep divisions within the GOP, exemplified by prominent Jordan supporters like Reps. Lauren Boebert, Nancy Mace, and Max Miller, who have pledged their allegiance to the Ohioan.
Scalise and his allies are optimistic about their chances, believing that focusing on national security concerns, such as the recent Israeli terrorist attack, might help sway GOP lawmakers to support him. Some Scalise supporters are pushing for a quick floor vote to capitalize on the momentum from the internal victory. However, cautionary voices within the party advocate for more deliberation, highlighting the need for unity and a careful approach to avoid a repeat of past internal struggles, notably referring to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s challenging path to victory earlier this year.
Additionally, Scalise received a boost from some of McCarthy’s critics, including Rep. Matt Gaetz and Rep. Tim Burchett, who expressed their support for Scalise after the internal vote. As the GOP navigates these internal dynamics, the fate of the speakership remains uncertain, making it a focal point of attention in the political landscape.
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