Nine Republicans stand up to become House Speaker

(Washington, DC)  --  At least nine Republicans are now running to be the next Speaker of the House.  

Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota officially jumped in the race over the weekend and got the endorsement of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Emmer is the highest-ranking Republican among the list of candidates. Representatives Kevin Hearn of Oklahoma, Pete Sessions of Texas, and Byron Donalds of Florida are also running for the top spot. Other representatives running to claim the gavel include Mike Johnson (LA), Gary Palmer (AL), Austin Scott, Jack Bergman (MI), and Dan Meuser (PA). 

This comes after Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan failed to become Speaker following three votes on the House floor last week.  

The Republican conference will meet this evening to hear from the candidates.