Rep. Louie Gohmert to challenge John Boehner for House Speaker post

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) on Sunday said he would challenge House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) for the lower chamber's top spot in the next legislative session.

In a statement announcing his candidacy, Gohmert said the leadership election was not about a particular candidate, but rather "about whether we keep the status quo or make the change the country demands." Boehner has served as House Speaker since 2011, but lawmakers from the right wing of his caucus, believing he was too cozy with Democrats, tried to oust him in 2013.

The House will vote Tuesday for the next speaker. Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) on Saturday announced he would run against Boehner, and a handful of GOPers have said they will vote against the sitting speaker.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up