Florida congressman one of eight Republicans vying for open House Speaker seat
TAMPA, Fla. - Twenty days have passed since there was a Speaker of the House of Representatives after the historic ousting of Kevin McCarthy earlier this month.
Now, eight House Republicans are vying for the top seat, including a prominent Florida congressman.
Rep. Byron Donalds of Southwest Florida’s District 19, near Naples, has put his hat in the ring for the seat and has garnered support from five other Florida congressmen.
"I’ve been supporting [Byron Donalds] since day one," Rep. Cory Mills said on Fox Business Monday. "I think that he comes from the unique and diverse background that America needs. He can get the votes … and it would be a historic day to not only elect the very first Floridian but the very first black American to the speak of the house."
Rep. Kathy Castor, who represents Tampa Bay, has said she does not support an extreme candidate, including the ousted Jim Jordan, tweeting this weekend: "The U.S. needs leaders who will make life better for everyday Americans and protect national security… but House Republicans are still caught in the chaos."
Donalds was endorsed by former president Donald Trump and voted to overturn the 2020 election that certified President Biden. Donalds says as speaker, his focus would be securing the border and cutting back on government spending.
"If we’re focused on mission and focused on members communicating, we will be able to get our work done and that’s why I think I can get to 217 votes on the house floor," said Donalds on Fox News.
House Republicans met with their conference Monday to make their pitches to take on the position third in line to the presidency, with Florida GOP members making the case to secure the biggest seat.