Rep. Steve Scalise Officially Drops Out Of Speaker Race

After several days of speculation, no small amount of it here at American Ground Radio, Louisiana’s own Congressman Steve Scalise, the House Majority Leader, has removed his name from contention for Speaker even after winning a closed-door conference vote.

According to The Louisiana Illuminator Scalise explained his decision to reporters,

“Our conference still has to come together and it’s not there,” Scalise told reporters. “I was very clear we have to have everybody put their agendas on the side and focus on what this country needs. This country is counting on us to come back together, this House of Representatives needs a speaker and we need to open up the House again.”

Following his announcement Scalise was unclear as to whether or not he would support Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, he said, “I’m sure there will be a lot of people that look at it. But it’s got to be people that aren’t doing it for themselves and their own personal interests.”

Scalise made the announcement following several reports across multiple outlets indicated he could be stepping back. He met with the House Republican Conference for approximately three hours before regroupoing in the Capitol at about 7:30 PM EST.

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) posted a request to temporary Speaker Patrick McHenry (R-NC) to immediately recall lawmakers back to the Capitol in to debate the Speakership on the floor. “I am asking members of the GOP to return to Washington so that we can nominate a Speaker. Scalise is a statesman and acted in true selfless fashion by stepping aside. This needs to happen,” she said in a post to X, formerly Twitter.

National, RepublicanMatthew HollowayNational