Who could replace McCarthy as speaker?

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is facing the most serious challenge to his speakership yet, with many House Republicans openly looking for alternatives.

Though there is still a chance he will remain in the position, largely due to difficulties finding an alternative, several figures have been proposed.

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Here are some of the most likely candidates who could replace McCarthy if he is removed from the speakership role.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN)

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Emmer has been floated as the favorite pick of conservative members of the House, particularly the House Freedom Caucus, people familiar with the matter told Politico and the Washington Post. Politico reported that former Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) pointed to Emmer as a choice, though Biggs denied this.

Conservatives in the House believe Emmer is more friendly to their interests and will deliver better results.

The primary problem with Emmer as a replacement is that he publicly backs McCarthy, dismissing any talks of replacement as “palace intrigue.”

“I fully support Speaker McCarthy. He knows that, and I know that. I have zero interest in palace intrigue. End of discussion,” he said.

Other lawmakers doubted Emmer would turn on McCarthy, characterizing their relationship as close.

Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN)

(J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

An anonymous Republican lawmaker told Axios that Green had been approached multiple times to be a replacement for McCarthy. This possibility runs into the same problem as Emmer: Green reportedly declined any interest in the position.

Green has been a muscular advocate in the Republican effort to highlight the devolving situation at the southern border. After beating out Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) for the chairman role on the House Homeland Security Committee, the Tennessee Republican has led efforts to grill Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA)

(J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Scalise, one of the few in House leadership to enjoy broad support among the different factions of Republican lawmakers, is seen as the natural successor to McCarthy. He may even be the most open to the possibility, as people familiar with the matter told the Washington Post that some tension exists in their relationship, which appears to be absent in Emmer’s case.

Despite this, the main problem lies in Scalise’s health concerns. Multiple lawmakers told Politico and Axios that the recent announcement that the House minority leader will begin undergoing cancer treatment has gotten in the way of his chances. However, some suggested a caretaker speaker could hold the position until after his first round of cancer treatment.

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Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)

(J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Bacon appears to be the most centrist of McCarthy’s possible successors, with even a Democrat telling Axios he could boast support from both parties. However, he has declined interest, showing support for McCarthy.

“I fully stand with Kevin [McCarthy] and want him to succeed,” he said.