Kevin McCarthy became the first ousted Speaker of the House of Representatives in US history. Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP
The hard-line rebels who ousted Mr. McCarthy are demanding a more conservative replacement to uphold their priorities.
They are outnumbered by moderates who are furious at the overreach influence of the rebels and are unwilling to give them any more concessions.
Some contenders have already entered the ring, although it remains to be seen whether any of them will be able to reunite their fractured party.
Steve Scalise
Steve Scalise, the Republican majority leader in the House of Representatives, is seen as McCarthy's logical successor. His leadership experience and conservative credentials make him a popular choice, but his affiliation with the MAGA wing of the party could worry moderates in swing districts.
Mr Scalise, who represents a district in Louisiana, suffered serious trauma after a targeted attack while he was playing baseball with fellow Republican lawmakers in 2017.
The 57-year-old has previously had to distance himself from ties to David Duke , former leader of the Ku Klux Klan.
Steve Scalise Photo: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg
He apologized for giving a speech to a white supremacist group in 2002 in which he said, “I reject this kind of hateful bigotry.”
He has announced his intention to run. for the position of speaker and promised to bring the party back together.
But Mr. Scalise is also being treated for a form of blood cancer that requires him to leave the Capitol from time to time. This has some worried whether he will be able to balance treatment with the grueling work.
In a letter to colleagues asking for support, Mr. Scalise acknowledged the challenges ahead but said he had overcome challenges before. “I'm ready for the battle ahead,” he wrote.
Jim Jordan
Jim Jordan, a former Ohio wrestling coach, was the first to publicly announce his desire to become a speaker.
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Like Mr. Scalise, he is in Republican leadership but made a name for himself early in his congressional career as an outsider.
His blistering attacks on Democrats as a member of Donald Trump's defense team during his impeachment. The court made him a favorite among conservatives.
Trump later awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Jim Jordan Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Mr. Jordan now plays a leading role in the impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden.
The 59-year-old remains a close ally of Mr Trump, regularly appearing as a guest speaker. at his rallies.
He echoed Mr. Scalise's call for unity in «divisive times,» but his attack dog image may raise skepticism among some of his colleagues.
Still, he remained loyal to McCarthy , despite a conservative knife fight that may have endeared him to moderates.
Kevin Hurn
Kevin Hurn is chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group of fiscal and social conservatives.
A multimillionaire businessman, he touted his skills outside of politics, hinting that he could compete for the speaker's gavel.
Kevin Hearn Photo: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg
“I think you need a different skill set. You know, I spent 35 years in business, working for some of the largest corporations in the world,” he said.
«Discord is common when people work together and find common solutions, because it takes experience.»
However, Hearn, 61, who represents a district in Oklahoma, might have difficulty attracting the support of moderates.
Patrick McHenry
Patrick McHenry has been named speaker pro tempore and has said he has no interest in being appointed to the permanent seat.
But his supporters could push him to do so if other candidates lose support.
Patrick McHenry Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Mr. McHenry is an ally of McCarthy, who tried to prevent his ouster.
The 47-year-old represents a district in North Carolina.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump was urged to run for the position by a vocal minority in the House of Representatives seeking to curry favor since the Speaker does not have to be an elected member of the House.
But the first president brushed it off proposals while participating in a fraud trial in New York.
“If I can to help, the process, I would do that, but we have some great people in the Republican Party who would do a great job as Speaker,” he said.
“I will do everything I can to help, but I am focused, completely focused on being president.»
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