House Majority Leader Steve Scalise to run for speakership after McCarthy ouster

WASHINGTON — House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., announced he is entering the race to succeed ousted former speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and lead House Republicans in the lower chamber.

The Louisiana Republican was expected to make a bid for the speakership given his position as the No. 2 ranking House Republican. In a letter to his fellow GOP colleagues asking for their support, Scalise notes "now is not the time to slow down," as Congress is racing to pass appropriation bills to fund the government.

"This next chapter won’t be easy, but I know what it takes to fight and I am prepared for the battles that lie ahead. I humbly ask you for your support on this mission to be your Speaker of the House," Scalise said in the letter.

Scalise, along with other lawmakers seeking the speakership including chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, met with Texas' House Republican delegation at a weekly luncheon Wednesday in a likely pitch to gauge interest in a speakership run.

Following the luncheon, Scalise made the formal announcement.

Scalise, who is currently undergoing treatment for blood cancer, reflected on his near-death experience in 2017 when a shooter opened fire upon GOP lawmakers in a practice session for the annual Congressional Baseball Game.

"I was often asked why after nearly losing my life because of this job I would want to go back. But it was never a question for me: I love this country, and I believe we were sent here to come together and solve the immense challenges we face," Scalise said in the letter. "I feel even more strongly about that today."

Referencing the deep divisions within the House GOP conference − the very divisions that resulted in McCarthy's ouster − the speaker-hopeful insisted in the letter: "We must mend the deep wounds that exist within our conference."

Scalise has already begun to shore up support among House GOP lawmakers.

Walking into the Texas delegation meeting, Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, told reporters there are lawmakers willing to "walk through fire," for the Louisiana Republican.

"I think Steve Scalise has a lot of people that will walk through fire for the man," Gonzales said.