Scalise announces run for House speaker after McCarthy ouster

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) announced a run for House speaker, making himself the second candidate to enter the race after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced he would not run for reelection on Tuesday.

Scalise has been floated as one of the most obvious contenders to replace McCarthy, especially as he has served as the No. 2 Republican for the last 10 months. The majority leader is considered to be one of the top choices for the position, with several members calling Scalise to pledge their support, a source familiar told the Washington Examiner.

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“We all came here to save this country from being taken down a dangerous path of destruction,” Scalise wrote in a letter to GOP colleagues on Wednesday announcing his candidacy. “I know the coming weeks ahead will be some of the most arduous times we will face together, but this Conference is worth fighting for — we cannot lose sight of our shared mission. Now, more than ever, we must mend the deep wounds that exist within our Conference and focus on our objectives so we can get back to work for the millions of people who are counting on us.”

Only one other Republican lawmaker has publicly announced a run for speaker so far: Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) is also expected to announce a run in the coming days.

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This story is developing and will be updated.