Alabama Rep. Palmer running for Speaker in crowded field

On Sunday, Alabama Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) announced he’s running for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Because of reckless government policies, Americans across the country are struggling to make ends meet, to afford groceries, gas, and other everyday necessities,” Palmer said in a statement. “Families are worried about the safety of their children because our cities are riddled with crime, and fentanyl is flooding across our borders. Americans are anxious about the future because out-of-control spending threatens to bankrupt our nation. Additionally, weak leadership has jeopardized our national security.”

Palmer, now in his fifth term representing the 6th Congressional district, said the country is facing an era that requires “steady, conservative leadership.”

“All of this is happening at a time when our nation is the most divided it has been in nearly 160 years,” Palmer said. “If we ignore these issues, America will decline into the footnotes of history. This doesn’t need to be our future, but how do we change our course? It starts with steady, conservative leadership.”

The American people are desperate for authentic leadership. Leadership that is steady and conservative.

This is why I decided to step forward in the race for Speaker of the House.

Read more below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mio2qJfeh0

— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) October 22, 2023

Palmer faces a great deal of competition after Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) backed down from his ambitions for the Speakership, announcing he’ll return to his duties as House Judiciary Chairman.

According to original reporting by The Hill, nine Republicans are already running for Speaker, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota), House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Michigan), Rep. Austin Scott (R-Georgia) who lost to Jordan for the nomination of the Conference on Oct 13 in a 124 to 81 vote, former House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas), and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Florida) among others.

“That’s what Republicans can offer the country, if we come together and unite behind new leadership and a common vision in the House of Representatives focusing on the things that matter to the American people,” Palmer added. “The things that matter to our future. The Republican majority must be willing to make the reforms necessary to ensure fiscal responsibility and restore people’s faith in their government – and in us as their elected representatives. We cannot do this until we are united as Republicans and get back to serving the people who sent us to Washington to defend and advance their interests and not our own.”

“The American people are desperate for authentic leadership, leaders who will work to move the nation forward,” said Palmer. “As Republicans, we must show a contrast. There is a distinct difference between our vision for a prosperous and strong America and the vision of the Democrats that has done so much harm. This is why I decided to step forward in the race for Speaker of the House. To do what I can to put our differences behind us and unite Republicans behind a clear path forward, so we can do our job for the benefit of the American people.”

On Friday, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) failed to reach the 217 votes needed to be the next Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The House Republican Conference then met and had a secret ballot vote in which the majority of the Republican Congressmembers voted to withdraw their support for Jordan as the Conference’s nominee. Jordan agreed to withdraw and now the House Republicans are scrambling to find a new nominee.

Palmer supported Jordan on all three votes on the House floor.

20 Republicans opposed Jordan on the first vote, 21 on the second, and 25 opposed Jordan on the third and final House floor vote. All six Republicans in the Alabama House Congressional delegation voted for Jordan on all three public votes. We do not know how any of them voted on Friday’s secret ballot.

“I’m also going to go back to work,” Jordan said after the GOP conference voted against him continuing to be their Speaker nominee. “We got several depositions lined up next week in the Judiciary Committee, work that we need to do for the American people in our investigative work.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) was the first nominee, defeating Jordan for the nomination; but withdrew when Jordan supporters would not back his candidacy.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-California) was ousted on October 3, when eight House Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) voted with Democrats to oust the Republican Speaker.

On Friday, McCarthy said, “What history will look at: The crazy eight led by Gaetz — the amount of damage they have done to this party and this country in insurmountable.”

McCarthy has endorsed Emmer.

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) says that we must have a Speaker soon.

Aderholt said, “While I fully support Jim Jordan and wanted him to continue to seek the Speakership, he has decided to withdraw his name from consideration. I look forward to evaluating those who come forward willing to serve. We need to choose a new Speaker as soon as possible.”

The House Republican Conference is meeting on Monday night to consider a new nominee.

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