Steve Scalise Lands GOP Speaker Nomination: What's Next

On Wednesday, House Republicans put their weight behind Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), nominating him as their choice for the next Speaker.

This move comes in the wake of the unexpected removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from his position, according to several congressional insiders who spoke to The Hill.

In a confidential GOP conference gathering, Scalise emerged victorious with a 113-99 vote, edging out House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). The race for the nomination was tight, with no evident leader prior to the vote, The Hill reports.

Following this nomination, Scalise is set to present his candidacy on the House floor, where he'll face opposition from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the Democrats' pick for Speaker. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), the Speaker Pro Tempore, informed Republican members the full House will convene on the House floor at 3 p.m. ET.

The ensuing vote promises to be contentious, given the Republicans' slender majority in the chamber. For context, McCarthy previously needed 15 voting rounds to clinch the gavel.

Also Read: Former Ohio State University Wrestlers Accuse Trump Ally Jim Jordan Of Betrayal: 'He Doesn't Deserve To Be House Speaker'

Scalise's journey might not be smooth. Several Republicans have already expressed their intention to withhold their support, while others remain undecided. Post-nomination, Jordan chose not to disclose whether he would support Scalise, according to The Hill.

For Scalise, this nomination is a significant milestone in his congressional journey, which started in 2008. Over the years, he has held various leadership roles, including the Republican whip and, more recently, the majority leader. Throughout the race, Scalise positioned himself as the unifying figure the GOP needs, especially after the divisive removal of McCarthy.

Despite his nomination, concerns about Scalise's health have surfaced. Diagnosed with a "very treatable" blood cancer, multiple myeloma, in August, Scalise has been undergoing treatment, The Hill reports. He recently shared positive news about his health, stating that he saw a significant reduction in his cancer levels post-chemotherapy.

Now Read: Paul Tudor Jones Warns Stocks Could Plunge With Threat Of Nuclear War Led By 'Sociopaths' In China, Russia, North Korea

Photo: Shutterstock