Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is throwing his support behind House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) to become the new speaker.
On Tuesday, 113 Republicans voted to nominate Scalise to be speaker, while 99 voted for House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio.)
The whole House will now have to vote for a new speaker.
Scalise would need to win 217 votes to win the speaker’s gavel.
And Gaetz, who led the effort to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), voiced support for Scalise.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Florida congressman wrote, “Scalise > McCarthy”
Scalise > McCarthy
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) October 11, 2023
And speaking to reporters, Gaetz said, “I’m excited for him. I can’t wait to go vote for him.”
“Long live Speaker Scalise!” he added.
Q: What's your reaction now that Scalise has the votes for Speaker elect?
— CSPAN (@cspan) October 11, 2023
Rep. Matt Gaetz: "I'm excited for him. I can't wait to go vote for him. Long live Speaker Scalise." pic.twitter.com/ejZFfFOX9b
However, other Republicans — who opposed the effort to oust McCarthy — did not appear ready to support Scalise.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) wrote on X, “Surprises are for little kids at birthday parties, not Congress. So, I let Scalise know in person that he doesn’t have my vote on the floor, because he has not articulated a viable plan for avoiding an omnibus.”
Surprises are for little kids at birthday parties, not Congress. So, I let Scalise know in person that he doesn’t have my vote on the floor, because he has not articulated a viable plan for avoiding an omnibus.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) October 11, 2023
Meanwhile, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said, “I will not be voting for [Scalise] on the floor this afternoon. The House GOP should NOT have called a vote at 300pm after finishing the vote at 130pm in Conference. That is unacceptable [and] purposeful.”
I will not be voting for @SteveScalise on the floor this afternoon. The House GOP should NOT have called a vote at 300pm after finishing the vote at 130pm in Conference. That is unacceptable & purposeful.
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) October 11, 2023
Scalise’s nomination comes a week after the House made history with its decision to strip McCarthy from his position.
