Byron Donalds is becoming the GOP Frontrunner to to be the next Speaker of the House

In a show of loyalty, every member of House leadership on this list, including Reps. Tom Emmer, Steve Scalise, and Elise Stefanik, pleaded with their colleagues to keep McCarthy in his post.

For the first time in American history, House lawmakers have ejected the Speaker of the House from power.

Now that Rep. Matt Gaetz’s gambit was successful, House lawmakers must find a new leader of the chamber who is also second-in-line for the presidency. The nation could very well be in a multi-day drama like the five days in January that ultimately ended with Kevin McCarthy as speaker. And yes, this entire saga could also end with McCarthy retaking the gavel.

BYRON DONALDS

Hardline Representative Byron Donalds, considered a rising star in the Republican Party, garnered 20 votes during one of the rounds of voting for the speaker’s race in January.

PATRICK MCHENRY

Representative Patrick McHenry was named to step in as speaker pro tempore following McCarthy’s ouster. Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, McHenry is a McCarthy ally who spoke in support of McCarthy prior to the vote.

HAKEEM JEFFRIES

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is the Democratic leader and garnered more votes than McCarthy during 11 rounds of voting in the speaker’s election.

KEVIN MCCARTHY

Representative Kevin McCarthy told reporters on Tuesday he would not make another run for speaker.