With a Democratic House victory in the books, Republican members of Congress are stepping up for their next fight: winning leadership over their shrunken coalition.
Republicans will relinquish their House speakership to a Democrat come January, likely to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). With Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) retiring after this term, Republicans could easily trade their majority positions for a minority equivalent. That would put House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) atop of the GOP caucus — but not if Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) has anything to say about it.
Jordan launched his candidacy for speaker back in July, presuming Republicans would still lead the House in 2019. Since then, Ohio State University wrestlers have alleged that, as their former coach, Jordan ignored reports that a team doctor was molesting them. That seemingly hasn't deterred Jordan, who denies the claims, as he reaffirmed he'd still run for minority leader in a Wednesday Hill.TV interview. Ryan has indicated support for McCarthy, and Fox News suggests Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) will resume his role on the minority side.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
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.
Meanwhile, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) has announced she'll run for the third-ranking spot as House Republican Conference chair, reports The Washington Examiner. The daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney was encouraged by Republican leaders to aim for the spot, a source told CNN, and it could lead her to a bigger role in the Republican Party.
President Trump hasn't hinted at what Republicans he'd like to see lead the House, but he did give Pelosi a somewhat glowing endorsement on Wednesday morning.
-
5 seriously spooky cartoons about HalloweenCartoons Artists take on the GOP boogeyman, a white sheet, and more
-
Political cartoons for October 25Cartoons Saturday’s political cartoons include hospital bill trauma, Independence Day, and more
-
Roasted squash and apple soup recipeThe Week Recommends Autumnal soup is full of warming and hearty flavours
-
NY attorney general asks public for ICE raid footageSpeed Read Rep. Dan Goldman claims ICE wrongly detained four US citizens in the Canal Street raid and held them for a whole day without charges
-
Trump’s huge ballroom to replace razed East WingSpeed Read The White House’s east wing is being torn down amid ballroom construction
-
Trump expands boat strikes to Pacific, killing 5 moreSpeed Read The US military destroyed two more alleged drug smuggling boats in international waters
-
Trump demands millions from his administrationSpeed Read The president has requested $230 million in compensation from the Justice Department for previous federal investigations
-
Trump nominee in limbo after racist texts leakSpeed Read Paul Ingrassia lost Republican support following the exposure of past racist text messages
-
Trump begins East Wing demolition for ballroomspeed read The president’s new construction will cost $250 million
-
Appeals court clears Trump’s Portland troop deploymentSpeed Read A divided federal appeals court ruled that President Trump can send the National Guard to Portland
-
Millions turn out for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ ralliesSpeed Read An estimated 7 million people participated, 2 million more than at the first ‘No Kings’ protest in June
