Staff Reports
House Republicans are gearing up for yet another dilemma that could rival a reality TV showdown. Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, representing Maryland, has raised concerns about the only shoe currently in the race for House Speaker—one Mike Johnson from Louisiana. Harris is suggesting that this solitary candidacy could lead to a rather dystopian, “Soviet-style” election. Apparently, he believes that democracy in America should resemble a good old-fashioned competition, rather than a one-man band.
As it stands, Johnson, the man with the gavel, is explicitly seeking another term, effectively handing out the “Door Prize: Speaker Edition.” The hardline conservatives, resembling a pack of determined hyenas eyeing a lone zebra, are already circulating whispers about cozying up to a potential challenger in the upcoming leadership elections. For anyone who thought the party had its act together, think again. It appears that Republican unity is about as solid as a Jenga tower moments before the final piece is pulled.
Freedom Caucus Drops Plan To Challenge Johnson https://t.co/eBtyWZ29aT pic.twitter.com/cPzTeVsYoB
— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) November 13, 2024
When pressed about who might throw their hat in the ring against Johnson, Harris played coy, saying he couldn’t divulge that information. It’s a tactic that would make even the best poker players envious. Meanwhile, Texas Rep. Chip Roy, another key player in the Freedom Caucus, hinted that Johnson should brace himself for some competition come Wednesday. The stakes are high not only for the Speaker’s seat but also for the role of House Republican Conference chair—evidence that while they’re all on the same team, their locker room is more reminiscent of a catfight.
It’s no secret that Johnson has faced significant pushback from the party’s right flank, particularly regarding spending and foreign Aid legislation. With a tight majority, it’s become increasingly common for him to look toward the other side of the aisle for help, leading some in the party to question his effectiveness. Notorious firebrands, like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, have already made their discontent known, wanting Johnson to vacate his seat faster than you can say “failed agenda.”
The discontent has only grown following underwhelming gains during the 2024 elections, which left Republicans baffled. Greene expressed deep frustration, pointing out that despite Trump’s popular vote win, the House races stagnated. The idea of a challenge is not unexpected, given the petty squabbles that have plagued the GOP since the start of the 118th Congress. After all, if they can’t come together to elect a Speaker without weeks of infighting, what hope does any outsider have?
While some Republicans see this turmoil as a chance to shake things up, others are more concerned about the repercussions of poking the bear, especially after the circus of events that followed Kevin McCarthy’s ousting. The last thing the party needs is another chaotic showdown, especially one that could lead to further divides and backroom deals. Ironically, rallying behind a single candidate appears to be the very remedy the party needs right now, even as some hard-right members seem hell-bent on ensuring everyone knows they’re still there—just in case anyone thought the cavalry had arrived.
