
As House Republicans continue to struggle to seat a Speaker to lead the lower chamber of Congress, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) has announced his candidacy for the position. This comes after Jim Jordan was removed on Friday as the party’s Speaker nominee in a secret ballot vote after three failed attempts to elect him on full House floor votes.
Donalds, known for his strong support of President Donald J. Trump and his conservative values, has a clear vision for the House and the country. He aims to focus on “securing our border, funding our government responsibly, advancing a conservative vision for the House of Representatives and the American people, and expanding our Republican majority.” These goals resonate with many conservatives who feel the current political climate needs a more substantial and decisive direction.
I am running to become the next Speaker of the House.
We need to:
🇺🇸 Secure our border
🇺🇸 Fund our government responsibly
🇺🇸 Advance our conservative agenda
🇺🇸 Expand our Republican majorityLet’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/a7jmeDYzvV
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) October 21, 2023
Donalds is no stranger to the race for Speaker. In January, he emerged as an alternative to Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Although he ultimately lost to McCarthy after 15 rounds of voting, Donalds made a name for himself and gained support from the America First branch of the Republican party. His latest announcement surprises some, but it is clear that he is determined to bring about change.
The Speaker of the House plays a crucial role in shaping the legislative agenda and ensuring that the majority party’s policies are carried out. The position is also third in line to the presidency, making it an influential and powerful role.
BREAKING REPORT: Byron Donalds to run for House Speaker..
THOUGHTS? pic.twitter.com/ebTS9mWYxp
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) October 20, 2023
Donalds has already gained support from fellow Florida Reps. Cory Mills (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL). “I supported Jim Jordan for our next Speaker,” Mills wrote on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. “Unfortunately my votes for him on the floor and in conference to remain Speaker designate was not enough. I now support Byron Donalds.”
Byron Donalds to run for House Speakerhttps://t.co/gy4o6eudEshttps://t.co/gy4o6eudEs
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 20, 2023
It remains to be seen whether Donalds can gain the support he needs to clinch the position of Speaker. However, his determination and clear vision for the country make him a strong contender. As the race for Speaker heats up, all eyes will be on the Republican Conference beginning again on Monday evening. The group will hold a candidate forum at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, with the vote for the new Speaker-designate to be held on Tuesday morning. Candidates have been advised they need to submit their names by noon on Sunday.