Steve Scalise Withdraws from House Speaker Race After Ousting of Kevin McCarthy

“There are still some people that have their own agendas, and I was very clear we have to have everybody put their agendas on the side and focus on what this country needs," said the Louisiana Republican

Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise withdrew himself from consideration for the House speakership on Thursday evening. The congressman announced his decision after a growing group of Republican House members made clear they would not help elect Scalise, eliminating his path to victory.

Scalise’s removal from the ballot follows the recent historic ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was recalled from the nation's third-highest post on Oct. 3. A GOP conference vote to nominate a new House speaker candidate on Wednesday narrowly favored Scalise 113-99 over Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan.

But to formally be elected as speaker, a nominee must secure a majority of votes during the formal election — that meant Scalise would need 217 votes, if everyone in the House participates.

Related: Kevin McCarthy Ousted as House Speaker in Unprecedented Recall Vote

Scalise’s attempts to recruit those who voted for Jordan were made in a private closed-door conference where he tried to sway the opposers to his side, reports CNBC, but efforts were unsuccessful.

The Washington Post also reported that Jordan remained silent during the closed-door conference on Thursday.

Related: House Names Temporary Speaker Pro Tempore After Kevin McCarthy's Historic Ousting

As a result of Scalise’s withdrawal, the House Republicans are set to meet to discuss the next steps on Friday morning at 10 a.m., reports NBC News.

“If you look at where our conference is there’s still work to be done. Our conference still has to come together and is not there,” Scalise added, per CNN. “There are still some people that have their own agendas, and I was very clear we have to have everybody put their agendas on the side and focus on what this country needs.”

As the House of Representatives remains in limbo with a looming government shutdown, the congressman noted how vital it is for the representatives to fill the position. “This country is counting on us to come back together. This House of Representatives needs a speaker and we need to open up the House again, but clearly not everybody is there, and there’s still schisms that have to get resolved,” said Scalise, CNN reported.

Ahead of Scalise’s withdrawal, his opponent, Rep. Jordan, shared he would be voting for the Louisiana representative due to the legislative branch’s necessity to return to a “functioning” House of Representatives, according to CNBC.

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In addition to Jordan voicing concerns about the current state of uncertainty, former Speaker McCarthy said, “I just think the conference as a whole has to figure out their problem, solve it, and select their leader,” reports CNN.

However, ahead of the vote between Scalise and Jordan, the Republican representatives were considering granting additional privileges to McCarthy’s current replacement, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), who is serving as temporary Speaker Pro Tempore, according to CNN sources. They shared with The Washington Post that many Republicans are considering Jordan as the next option for the speakership, which could be decided in a vote during the Friday morning conference.

Scalise has no plans to endorse another speaker candidate at this time, reports Axios.

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