House of Representatives to Vote on New Speaker After Ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy

Today, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on a new speaker, according to a notice posted by the Democratic whip. This comes after the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy on October 3rd, in a 216-210 vote with eight Republicans joining all the Democrats in voting to remove him. This was the first time in history that a sitting speaker had been removed.

Rep. Patrick McHenry was immediately named speaker pro tempore, but the House has been left unable to conduct most business — including holding votes to support Israel or condemn Hamas after last week’s attack. Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia have both been vying for the position, but Rep. Mike Turner has said that if the GOP cannot unite, a deal “will have to be done” with Democrats for the speaker.

Today, Rep. Jim Jordan scrambled to pull together 217 votes for his one day Speakership. At mid-day, Rep. Austin Scott decided to run, and in the afternoon the GOP caucus held another vote, with Jordan receiving 124 votes to Scott’s 81.

It remains to be seen who will be elected as the new speaker of the House of Representatives. Rep. Mike Turner has said that if the GOP cannot unite, a deal “will have to be done” with Democrats for the speaker. The House is expected to vote on Tuesday, and the outcome of the vote will determine the future of the House.