GOP Leadership Standoff Tightens as House Convenes Amid questions on the path forward
The House situation in Washington grew tenser after Republican Kevin McCarthy was removed from the speaker’s chair last Tuesday. Since then, a clearer split has formed within a more hardline wing of the GOP, and there is little consensus on who should steer the chamber or how the selection will unfold. Interim Speaker Patrick McHenry said the priority is to elect a new leader before the week ends, with voting possibly starting as soon as this Wednesday, first within the Republican caucus and then in the full chamber. But nothing is guaranteed as lawmakers weigh competing pressures and priorities.
Pressure to move from stalemate is rising. Budgets must clear before November 17, and Congress faces urgent decisions, including Gaza aid and broader Israel assistance, along with ongoing spending tied to public health programs. Some members prefer more time; for example, Max Miller suggested at least one additional week before voting, underscoring the urgency with a blunt assessment that the body remains unsettled from recent turmoil.
Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise, the leading contenders, have yet to settle on one clear path. A sizable group of McCarthy loyalists could slow the process by withholding support from anyone who must reconcile old promises with new demands. McCarthy himself had floated a possible return, despite his earlier insistence that he would not reclaim the post.
A bloodbath
Six days into the crisis, GOP members held their first closed-door meeting. Phones were banned and aides stood outside. What happened inside and what leaked afterward did little to inspire confidence that a breakthrough was near.
Attendee Nick LaLota described the session as a rough first therapy-like gathering, while others called it tense and sometimes chaotic, with sharp cross-accusations. Deep anger over Israel policy remained among many Republicans, with far-right congressman Matt Gaetz leading resistance to McCarthy and eight other Republicans joining him in opposition.
Neither Jordan nor Scalise spoke at the meeting, though both had indicated they would address the group. On Tuesday night a candidate forum was held, featuring five-minute presentations from each, followed by questions and a two-minute closing statement.
The discussion then shifted toward a campaign approach that would keep the party firmly conservative, focusing on steady leadership capable of shielding the House from the repeated internal clashes that defined McCarthy’s tenure.
Jordan, as chair of the Judiciary Committee and a prominent advocate for a tougher, more right-leaning agenda, framed his candidacy as a way to preserve stability in Congress while sustaining broad support for the White House’s priorities. He has built backing from hardline factions and argues that principled governance requires accountability within the party.
Both candidates push for a sharply conservative program and promise to advance budget bills containing meaningful spending reductions. They differ on a few issues, most notably Ukraine aid, where Scalise appears more inclined to maintain support and Jordan signals greater caution.
Changing the rules
Uncertainty about when a resolution will arrive is growing. Some Republicans are pushing procedural changes that would reduce reliance on a simple majority within the conference. The current plan envisions a solid vote in the plenary session with 217 votes if all members are present.
The motive behind such changes is to avoid another fiasco like the earlier year when McCarthy endured 15 rounds of balloting. While Jordan supports altering the rules, Scalise opposes changing the path to a vote.
Other topics have surfaced, including questions about motions of censure. Some members want to ease such motions in future negotiations, though passing them might not require Democratic support.