Republicans are facing a crucial decision as they consider who will lead them into the upcoming midterm election cycle.
Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA) are the two candidates vying to replace Kevin McCarthy as House speaker. Both will have the opportunity to make their case at a candidate forum on Tuesday, where they will need to secure 111 votes from the party's 221 members.
However, there is some internal drama that could impact the outcome of the race. According to The Daily Beast, a longstanding feud between McCarthy and Scalise could play a role in the decision-making process. While Scalise has always been seen as the clear number two in the House GOP, his decision to explore a run for speaker after McCarthy's failed bid in 2015 has not been forgotten.
Despite maintaining a public closeness, lawmakers have noticed Scalise's eagerness to take action following the recent ousting of the speaker. On the other hand, McCarthy's operation is said to be firmly behind Jordan.
One senior GOP aide expressed concerns about Jordan, particularly regarding his political operation. The aide stated, "There are serious worries about Jordan's political operation."
Jordan, the founder and leader of the Freedom Caucus, has focused on getting hardline conservatives elected in deeply conservative districts over the past six years. In contrast, Scalise's campaign has raised an impressive $75 million since 2017, which has been distributed among various Republican candidates and districts.
While small-dollar fundraising is expected for someone vying for the speakership, the lack of major donor relationships for Jordan is seen as a significant red flag by some members.
As the Republican conference prepares for the candidate forum, they will need to carefully consider these factors before making their decision on who will lead them into the crucial midterm elections.
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