It has been an eventful week in Washington as House Republicans endured a whirlwind series of events that brought them right back to square one. The drama began when House Speaker Paul Ryan announced he would not seek reelection or stand for another term, sending shockwaves through the GOP, which had been counting on his leadership to maintain power in Congress.
The chaos that followed was an admitted mess by all who experienced it. Several names were floated as possible replacements for Speaker Ryan, and each seemed to run headlong into controversy and dissent within the Republican caucus. Eventually, after much consternation and discord, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy was chosen to take the Speaker’s gavel.
However, a surprise wave of dissent shortly followed McCarthy’s nomination. Despite the backing of President Trump and the majority of the Republican Party, McCarthy could not appease enough conservatives to win the speakership. He ultimately withdrew his name from consideration amidst boos from his comrades in the House.
This lack of consensus ultimately brings us back to square one for the Republicans. With no clear leader and contention among groups that should be united in advancing the conservative agenda, the GOP is in real danger of losing what little influence it currently holds in Congress. While Ryan was largely respected within and outside of the party, the succession of events leading up to this point has left House Republicans looking for answers.
Given the lack of a clear leader and the fact that the Speaker of the House is second in line to the presidency, this is more than just a political battle. It’s a true test of character and a defining moment for the GOP and the nation as a whole. Now more than ever, it’s time for Republicans to come together and put forth a leader they can all agree on, because if they don’t, it could spell disaster for the party in the November midterms and beyond.