House Speaker Vote Scheduled for Tuesday

The House of Representatives is anticipated to vote on Tuesday to possibly elect a new Speaker, as per a notice posted by the Democratic whip.

The House has been without a Speaker, who is second in line for the presidency, since October 3, when Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted in a 216-210 vote, with eight Republicans joining all the Democrats in voting for his removal. This marked the first instance in history where a sitting Speaker had been removed.

Rep. Patrick McHenry was immediately appointed as Speaker pro tempore; however, the House has been left incapacitated to conduct most business—including holding votes to support Israel or condemn Hamas following the attack last week.

New House Speaker Election Anticipated on Tuesday

Post McCarthy’s ouster, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan both threw their hats in the ring to be nominated by Republicans as the next Speaker. Scalise triumphed in a 113 to 99 vote among Republicans, but withdrew his name from consideration only a day later, stating “there are still some people that have their own agendas.”

House Republicans, on Friday, then nominated the far-right Jordan, who members said had received 124 votes. Yet, Rep. Austin Scott, a seven-term Georgia Republican, launched a last-minute protest candidacy before Friday’s meeting and garnered roughly 80 votes.

It remains unclear if Jordan has the backing from the full House. Any candidate requires a majority of the House to become Speaker, which in this case is 217 votes, given there are two vacancies. Since Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, they can only afford to lose four votes to achieve a majority.

Democrats are advising their caucus to vote for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, as they did during the 15 rounds of voting in January before McCarthy was formally elected.

Jeffries mentioned to NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “there have been informal discussions” between House Democrats and Republicans aiming to work toward creating a bipartisan governing coalition. Jeffries believes these conversations should formally commence this upcoming week.

“We have made clear publicly and privately that we are ready, willing and able to enter into a bipartisan governing coalition,” he stated, adding, “we are ready to be reasonable in finding the common ground necessary.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Turner informed “Face the Nation” that he would be supporting Jordan for Speaker and believed Jordan could get 217 votes on the floor. However, he conceded, if Republicans can’t rally behind Jordan or another candidate, then “obviously, there will be a deal” that will “have to be done.”

McCarthy was ousted after relying on Democrats to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government through November 17, averting a government shutdown at the eleventh hour.

With information from CBS News