Who Will Replace John Boehner? Kevin McCarthy Heads Shortlist Of Names For Speaker Of The House

A burning question is on the minds of a lot of voters and members of Congress: Who Will Replace John Boehner? A number of shortlists have emerged, but one in particular may surprise you for Boehner’s replacement for Speaker of the House.

According to a an ABC News report, the race for the White House has a long line of GOP contenders. However, a quiet storm is brewing for the Republican Party to install a replacement for outgoing House Speaker John Boehner. The coveted position became available days ago when Speaker Boehner suddenly announced his resignation from the role he’s held since 2011.

As one can imagine, the news caused a frenzy among conference members. After all, the powerful position is third in line behind Vice President Biden for Barack Obama’s Oval Office, based on the Presidential Succession Act. Sources say a list of candidates to occupy the Boehner’s Ohio 8th congressional district seat and the speaker’s position has Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy as a front-runner.

According to NPR, Speaker Boehner has become increasingly more conservative over his nearly three decades in public service — and is, arguably, more conservative then the “average GOP member.” However, John Boehner’s fall from grace is likely due to one element of his ideology: He has not kept pace with the ultra-conservatives aka hardliners like the Ted Cruz’s of the party.

Who will replace John Boehner for Speaker of the House is anyone’s guess; Kevin McCarthy is a logical source for a number of reasons. The California lawmaker holds the No.2 spot in the House as majority leader. Many think the charismatic leader has the ability to work on both sides of the aisle. However, others question whether he is conservative enough. To his point, in a written statement, the person chose to replace Speaker Boehner has to hit the ground running and bring the party together.

“Now is the time for our conference to focus on healing and unifying to face the challenges ahead and always do what is best for the American people.”

Other GOP names on the shortlist to replace Rep. Boehner are Rep. Paul Ryan, Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Conference Chair and leading female Republican in the House), Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, Raul Labrador of Idaho, and several unnamed long shot candidates.

The question about who replaces John Boehner can’t be answered until Kevin McCarthy signals a willingness; it’s not clear if he even wants the job. However, sources say a noted McCarthy aide told reporters to “look for an announcement” in the days ahead.

Speaker Boehner will officially resign from Congress on October 30.

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