Kevin Hern Withdraws from Speaker Race, Prioritizing Party Unity

Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) has announced that he will not run for Speaker of the House, citing the need for party unity. Hern's decision leaves the Speaker race between Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.). Hern did not endorse a candidate, stating that he wants the two men to face off and earn the support of the caucus. Republicans are expected to select a Speaker candidate at a closed-door meeting on Tuesday. Former President Trump was briefly considered as a candidate but decided to back Jordan.