Former President Trump has said that if the GOP wins the House majority, then he would support House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for Speaker. Trump also said that Rep. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.) has his support for another term as chair of the House Republican Conference, adding that he thought “she’s fantastic.”
These statements were made on the evening before Election Day. McCarthy is not currently facing any opposition for the Speaker position if the House Republicans secure a win in the House. For them to win control of the chamber they would need to pick up five seats. Most election polls show that the GOP has an edge and should be able to secure the house.
McCarthy has also been preparing for becoming Speaker and has made sure to give key members more support. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a founding member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is also expected to chair the House Judiciary Committee if the GOP secures a majority. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) also has a lot to win as McCarthy has promised that if they win the majority her position and committee assignments would be restored.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on the other hand had previously tried to ease tensions with Trump following the Jan. 6, Capitol insurrection. However, Trump has said that McConnell is a “lousy leader” and has said that Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.) would be a better option for leading the Senate.
Stefanik is currently the favorite for winning the conference chair position but she faces some opposition from first-term Rep. Byron Donald’s (R-Fla.)
Current House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) is also likely to move to a majority leadership position if the Republicans win as he is likely to become the party’s No.2 in the House.
