Three GOP Reps Float Themselves As House Speaker

October 20, 2023 Politics, Republicans

Rep. Jody Arrington, R-Texas, told reporters that he’s considering a bid for speaker. He was heard on the phone talking to his wife about his prospects. “What do you think, honey?” he asked his wife.

Arrington said Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, is also contemplating running for speaker. Texas’s congressional delegation is the largest among Republicans and the group met Friday morning.

Arrington said it would be a “family discussion” about what is the best path forward. “It shouldn’t be presumed that anybody in Texas is going to run at this point until we talk as a family of Texans,” Arrington added.

Politico reports:

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) and his allies are making calls about a potential speakership bid, according to two Republicans with direct knowledge of the matter. Emmer was expected to seek the majority leader position if the role became open, but he is now pivoting. The news comes less than an hour after Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) dropped out of the race for the gavel.

Jody Arrington, on phone with his wife, says he is “seriously considering” running for Speaker. (Says on phone: “what do you think, honey?”)

— Julie Tsirkin (@JulieNBCNews) October 20, 2023

BREAKING — TOM EMMER has told members of the House Republican Conference that he will seek the nomination for speaker.

The Minnesotan is currently the No. 3 House Republican.

He’ll immediately become the frontrunner in this race.

— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 20, 2023