A major issue in replacing Johnson arises — lack of obvious alternatives
Discussions among holdouts have introduced three potential alternative candidates for speaker. However, none of them possess the necessary votes to secure the position.
As Johnson prepares for the possibility of a dozen or more dissenters ahead of the speakership vote on Friday, three familiar alternative candidates have emerged in GOP discussions: Majority Leader Steve Scalise from Louisiana, Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan of Ohio, and GOP Whip Tom Emmer from Minnesota.
All three previously vied for the speakership in October 2023 before Johnson was ultimately elected. Their bids were abandoned when it became clear that they could not garner the overwhelming support required from House Republicans.
Since then, their prospects haven’t significantly improved — each candidate still faces opposition from factions within the conference. With attendance and a potential appearance by Matt Gaetz in question, any Republican aspiring to the speakership can only afford to lose two votes.
This situation underscores a common political dilemma: While voters may express a desire for a non-specific “someone else,” once a name comes into play, that candidate often faces their own set of challenges.
**Scalise**
**Where he stands:** As the No. 2 House Republican, Scalise has focused on building relationships across the conference during his time in leadership, securing some steadfast allies. However, tensions exist between Scalise and Jordan stemming from the October 2023 speakership race, affecting their respective supporters. Additionally, certain loyalists from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s camp have not been entirely supportive of Scalise, though he has made strides in winning over some, including Reps. Jason Smith and Max Miller.
**The roadblocks:** Conservatives closely affiliated with Jordan thwarted Scalise’s attempt to secure the gavel after he won the internal party nomination. In retaliation, Scalise’s allies blocked Jordan's candidacy for the speakership. There’s little indication that the group’s overall sentiments towards Scalise have shifted.
**Jordan**
**Where he stands:** A favorite among conservatives, Jordan continues to wield considerable influence with grassroots supporters and some remaining McCarthy loyalists. Hardliners dissatisfied with Johnson have once again mentioned his name while gauging whether he could secure the necessary votes.
**The roadblocks:** Nevertheless, Jordan faces strong opposition from those who previously blocked him, particularly appropriators concerned that a staunch conservative could disrupt the appropriations process. Additionally, established Republican figures and Scalise supporters still oppose him, and there seems to be more than two members willing to vote against him should he decide to pursue the speakership again.
**Emmer**
**Where he stands:** After Scalise and Jordan withdrew from the race, Emmer stepped forward, but Trump famously derailed his candidacy with a social media post calling him “totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters.” Emmer has since worked hard to mend his relationship with Trump, according to allies of the incoming president.
**The roadblocks:** However, he continues to face lingering skepticism from the evangelical segment of the party, particularly due to his vote to legalize same-sex marriage.
Another potential candidate could emerge, as Johnson was relatively low-profile when he assumed the speakership, being far from a top contender. Importantly, he took on the role during a time when the GOP was weary of internal conflict and had no significant adversaries to contend with.
Johnson’s allies claim that he is making progress in persuading holdouts. Currently, Thomas Massie is the only official "no," while other members, like Reps. Chip Roy and Victoria Spartz, have indicated they remain undecided.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News