Nine GOP Representatives Vie for Speaker Position Amidst Deep Divisions in the House

Nine Republican representatives have now announced they are running for the position ahead of Sunday's deadline after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the role earlier this month following a rebellion by far-right members of his party. The House remains deeply divided with no clear path forward for electing a new Speaker. A forum will be held for the candidates on Monday and an initial vote to narrow down the list will occur on Tuesday. To try to ensure the next Speaker can get the required 217 votes on the House floor, Rep. Mike Flood introduced a "unity pledge" for candidates to commit to supporting whoever the Republican conference nominates. Most candidates have signaled support for the pledge so far.