Florida Rep. Byron Donalds has launched a bid for Speaker of the House.
Donalds’ bid for Speaker follows several weeks of House Republican in-fighting after California Rep. Kevin McCarthy was removed from the office of Speaker of the House earlier this month.
The Florida representative announced his candidacy to succeed McCarthy in an X post.
“My sole focus will be 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,” Donalds wrote.
The Florida representative said he’s seen devotion from colleagues to improve the lives of their constituents and the future of America.
“We come from different walks of life but share the common pursuit of a more perfect union,” he continued. “As Speaker, every voice in our conference will have a seat at the table to ensure our unity and consensus on the legislative battles we face.”
Tonight, I am announcing my candidacy for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/1wSwQYqoX2
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) October 20, 2023
Donalds said under his leadership, the House will “lead the charge” to “put the American people first, keep them safe, and make their lives easier.”
“Titles aren’t given. They are earned,” Donalds continued. “I look forward to securing the votes of a majority of my Republican colleagues to become the first African-American Speaker, the first Speaker from the great state of Florida, and the next Speaker of the 118th Congress.
Over the weekend, Donalds announced he would release all available footage from the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021 if elected Speaker.
Rep Byron Donalds says he will release all the Jan 6 tapes @ByronDonalds pic.twitter.com/wrqFnAGPh8
— Grace Chong 🇺🇸 (@gc22gc) October 22, 2023
Several House Republicans have received the GOP nomination for Speaker of the House, though both have failed to win a majority 217 votes in Congress to secure a Speakership.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise originally secured the GOP nomination but withdrew his candidacy after reports indicated he would not be able to secure the majority vote in Congress.
Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who launched his candidacy for Speaker on the same day as Scalise, was subsequently nominated by the GOP for Speaker. Three ballots were held for Jordan last week, though the Ohio representative also failed to secure the majority vote in Congress.
After a failed third ballot, House Republicans held a closed-door vote and Jordan was removed as the GOP nominee for Speaker.
Other House Republicans including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson have also launched bids for Speaker following Jordan’s removal as the GOP nominee.
The House is scheduled to hold a candidate forum sometime today.
