Who is Austin Scott, the congressman challenging Jim Jordan for speaker?

Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) is challenging Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) for the speaker’s gavel, the latest development since Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted on Oct. 6, leaving the House of Representatives without a speaker.

Scott, the longest-serving member of Georgia’s congressional delegation, announced his candidacy on Friday afternoon. The Georgia congressman has been one of Jordan’s most vocal opponents during the speaker process, saying Thursday night that he would never vote for him.

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The seventh-term lawmaker, who serves on the armed services, intelligence, and agriculture committees, has often stayed away from the national spotlight, but he has recently been outspoken, criticizing the chaos he said was caused by eight hard-line conservative members who ousted McCarthy.

The late announcement from Scott has been described as a protest vote against Jordan. Some defense hawks have expressed concerns about budget cuts at the Pentagon if Jordan should become speaker.

The candidate forum playing out on Friday comes after House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) withdrew his name from consideration to become speaker after it was clear he would not be able to receive the 217 votes needed to win on the House floor.

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On Jan. 6, 2021, Scott voted against an objection to the Electoral College results in Pennsylvania and Arizona, breaking with many fellow House Republicans.

“Congress does not have the Constitutional authority to overturn a state’s electoral votes — nor does the Vice President — and I believe my decision to support the Electoral College fulfills my sworn oath to the Constitution,” Scott said in a statement at the time. “I’m also very proud of Vice President Mike Pence, and I am honored to have known him many years and call him a friend. I’m proud of his commitment to fulfilling his duty to the Constitution as well.”