Republican indecision in the House is so profound that GOP lawmakers on Monday gave a standing ovation to Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) for dropping out of the speaker’s race, CNN reported.
Republicans now have one less candidate to decide on, with eight still vying to succeed Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was ousted in a vote weeks ago led by breakaway Republicans. Nominees Steve Scalise (R-L.a.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) later failed to muster enough support.
At least Republicans at a candidate forum could agree to cheer the decision of Meuser, an election-denying ally of Republican presidential candidate frontrunner Donald Trump. Meuser said the former president backed his withdrawal.
Legislators called the move “honorable,” according to the news network.
“I felt that it was in the best interest in the end,” Meuser told CNN. “I came in late. I have other commitments that I want to adhere to.”
The rightwing lawmaker gave more details in an announcement on X, formerly Twitter.
“I’ve made a commitment to President Trump to help lead his campaign in Pennsylvania. I want to focus on this commitment, as well as the House and PA Senate race, so therefore, I am withdrawing from the Speaker’s race,” Meuser wrote on X. “I believe the House will elect a new Speaker, and I know we will be in good hands with one of our colleagues running. I’ve spoken to President Trump, and he supports my decision.”
He added, “Electing President Trump in 2024 is the best way to move our country forward.”
Win McNamee via Getty Images
For those of you keeping score at home, the remaining eight candidates as of Tuesday morning were Tom Emmer of Minnesota, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Jack Bergman of Michigan, Byron Donalds of Florida, Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, Gary Palmer of Alabama, Austin Scott of Georgia and Pete Sessions of Texas.
The GOP’s inability to choose a speaker has delayed House business to possibly avert a government shutdown and provide military aid.