Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan has withdrawn his bid for a third term amid a contentious leadership battle within the Republican Party. Phelan, who faced opposition from state Rep. David Cook and other conservatives, decided to step aside to allow for a new candidate to unify the party. His withdrawal has intensified the race for the speakership, with state Rep. Dustin Burrows emerging as a potential candidate. Phelan's decision follows a period of declining support due to his stance on issues like school vouchers and his involvement in the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Senate Republicans are considering the influence of former President Donald Trump in the upcoming leadership battle to succeed Mitch McConnell, with some acknowledging Trump as the front-runner and potential influencer in the race. While some contenders have been critical of Trump, they have also endorsed him in his 2024 campaign, positioning themselves to the right of others. Despite differing opinions on Trump's involvement, senators emphasize the importance of electing a leader who can work with the former president while also standing their ground and looking out for the Senate institution.
The Michigan Republican Party is embroiled in a leadership crisis as Kristina Karamo, the current chairwoman, refuses to step down despite being voted out by a group of state party committee members. Former Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, the opposition's pick to replace her, is claiming the chairmanship, leading to chaos and confusion. The Republican National Committee has intervened, but the dispute threatens to disrupt the state party's presidential caucuses and has raised concerns about the party's ability to support candidates in upcoming elections.
Republican Jim Jordan continues his bid for speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives despite facing opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans. The House will hold a third speaker vote on Friday, but Jordan has failed to secure the necessary votes in the previous two attempts. The leadership vacuum in the House has prevented Congress from addressing urgent legislative business, including responding to the war in the Middle East and a potential government shutdown. Jordan's hardline conservative stance and alleged bullying tactics have drawn criticism from fellow Republicans, further highlighting divisions within the party.
Republican lawmakers have reported receiving death threats and facing intimidation tactics from supporters of Jim Jordan as his bid for the US House Speaker position faces opposition. Jordan, a right-wing Republican from Ohio, has disavowed the threats. The infighting within the Republican Party comes after Jordan failed to secure enough support for the speakership for the second time. The leadership battle has left the Republican-controlled House unable to pass bills or approve emergency aid requests, leading to discussions about empowering acting Speaker Patrick McHenry temporarily.
The battle for House Speaker continues as the Republican Party looks to find a replacement. Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, known for his obstructionist tactics, has emerged as a strong contender for the role. However, his candidacy has faced opposition from within his own party, with some labeling him a "legislative terrorist." The leadership vacuum in the House of Representatives hampers the functioning of the government.
Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan have announced their bids to replace ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, with several other candidates potentially joining the race. The leadership battle comes after McCarthy's historic removal, driven by a rebellious faction of fellow Republicans. The Republicans have set an October 11 vote to choose a successor, which is eating into lawmakers' time to address pressing issues such as government spending and farm-subsidy programs. Scalise, who has been receiving cancer treatment, is seen as more conservative than McCarthy, while Jordan, a former wrestler, has led investigations into the Biden administration. Both candidates face potential challenges and concerns about their suitability for the role.
