NBC News is reporting that the same far-right faction of House Republicans who obstructed Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s quest to become Speaker of the House in 2015 is at it again: the House Freedom Caucus.
While votes in key races are still being tallied, and a Republican House Majority next year is not a done deal, current House Minority Leader McCarthy (R-CA) has already established a transition team in anticipation of taking control in the 118th Congress.
But NBC News reports that some Freedom Caucus members are “outright opposed” to McCarthy as Speaker, and since the majority will likely be so thin when the final vote is totaled, McCarthy will need the support of virtually every House Republican.
“No one currently has 218 [votes],” said Rep Chip Roy (R-TX) after attending a Freedom Caucus strategy meeting in Washington.
Another Freedom Caucus member, Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), added, “I have personally stated that Kevin McCarthy has not done anything to earn my vote.”
So far, no one has stepped forward to challenge McCarthy. However, former President Trump has endorsed McCarthy, as have other potential rivals—including Freedom Caucus leader Rep. Jim Jordon (R-OH).
