Emmer, Donalds among 9 Republicans vying to be House speaker

Nine House Republicans have thrown their hats into the ring to become the next speaker after House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan withdrew following three failed floor votes.

The deadline for Republican lawmakers to enter the race was Sunday at noon. House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik said the following nine candidates are running:

• Jack Bergman of Michigan

• Byron Donalds of Florida

• Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota

• Kevin Hern of Oklahoma

• Mike Johnson of Louisiana

• Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania

• Gary Palmer of Alabama

• Austin Scott of Georgia

• Pete Sessions of Texas

House Republicans will meet behind closed doors Monday to debate who to nominate followed by a secret ballot on Tuesday. Republicans hope to then be able to hold a floor vote on the nominee.

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has endorsed Mr. Emmer.

“He knows how to do the job across the street, at the same time, helping us win the majority,” Mr. McCarthy said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” 

“He sets himself head and shoulders above all those others who want to run. We need to get him elected this week and move on and bring this not just party together but focus on what this country needs most,” Mr. NcCarthy added.