Majority Whip Tom Emmer has withdrawn from the contest for the House GOP speakership after failing to unite the deeply divided Republican conference. Emmer’s decision to drop out marks the third consecutive failure in the House GOP’s search for a speaker, intensifying the party’s leadership crisis that has lasted three weeks without a leader.
Donald Trump’s Opposition
What sets Emmer’s speakership nomination apart is that he is the first candidate publicly opposed by former President Donald Trump. Trump criticized Emmer’s bid mere hours after he was nominated, causing the ranks of Emmer’s opponents within the party to harden. Emmer’s nomination was short-lived, lasting only four hours, much briefer than previous candidates Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Steve Scalise (R-La.). A significant number of conservative members expressed dissatisfaction with Emmer’s voting record, which included voting to certify President Joe Biden’s election.
Changing GOP Dynamics
The GOP conference is undergoing changes to align more closely with the “America first” philosophy, as expressed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who cited overwhelming support for President Trump among Republican voters. This shift has impacted the selection of the Speaker of the House, with members wanting the party’s leader to reflect these changing dynamics.
Return of Other Candidates
Three House Republicans who were defeated by Emmer in the speakership nomination, Reps. Mike Johnson (R-La.), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), and Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), have announced their intention to re-enter the race, according to Republicans familiar with their plans. The conference plans to hold another candidate forum in the evening, restarting the process of selecting a speaker.
Empowering Acting Speaker
Some members are exploring the idea of empowering Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry, potentially testing the constitutional limits to allow the North Carolina Republican to move legislation. The idea of returning to the acting speaker has gained traction among some House Republicans.
Conclusion
Tom Emmer’s withdrawal from the speakership race comes amid GOP fragmentation and increasing difficulty in finding a unifying leader for the party. The House GOP’s search for a speaker continues, with the return of previous candidates and consideration of empowering Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry.
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