Tensions rose among House Republicans on Tuesday, with a group of Republican hardliners threatening to challenge Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership in the next day's House Republican Conference leadership election.
Three sources told Fox News Digital that members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus are dissatisfied with House Republican leadership in a closed election likely to lead the majority next year. They are currently looking for a way to demonstrate this.
Meanwhile, these threats sparked frustration among rank-and-file House Republicans, with some saying such arguments were “even more stupid.”
At the heart of the issue is a proposed rule change that will also be voted on by the House Republican conference. That includes a bill pushed by some Republicans that would punish colleagues who purposely get their party's bills passed on the House floor by stripping them of their committee assignments.
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House Republicans are vying for leadership Wednesday ahead of President Trump's conference speech. (Getty Images)
Johnson told Politico on Tuesday night that he does not support “punitive” measures against those who blocked the House of Commons chambers, but officials have suggested that is not enough.
“There's a difference between saying “I don't support it'' and saying “I'm quitting'' it. That's a big difference,'' one source said. “His easy way is to just say, 'Okay, the rules don't change. Just move forward.'
Previous reports suggested members of the Freedom Caucus were looking for a candidate to challenge Mr Johnson, but the chairman did not rule out that possibility.
“It's kind of standard for two people to participate in a campaign,” chairman Andy Harris (R-Maryland) told reporters when asked if the group was fielding candidates. told. “We can do it the Soviet way, or we can do it the American way.”
But as of Tuesday night, no candidates appeared to have emerged, although Fox News Digital officials said conservatives may still rally around someone.
Democrats are quietly worried about losing the chamber after Republicans win the White House and the Senate.
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris did not deny that the party is looking at other candidates. (Getty Images)
Instead, Johnson's Republican critics could seek a recorded vote that would allow them to either simply vote against Johnson's nomination for speaker or write in another name in a secret ballot, Fox News reported. Digital reported.
The discrepancy comes as President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to address House Republicans on Wednesday morning ahead of the leadership contest, two other sources familiar with the plans told Fox News Digital. told.
Several Republicans who spoke to Fox News Digital were frustrated that the national unrest that gripped the 118th Congress could flare up again — this time with Republicans holding all the power in Washington. When you're trying to take control.
“Frankly, I'm tired of the agitators. I'm tired of fighting for nonsense like the fighting that happened last Congress,” Rep. Greg Murphy (RN.C.) said on FOX. He told News Digital.
Asked if the lawmakers who helped lead the charge should be punished, Murphy said: “Yes, you can put an exclamation point on it.”
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Rep. Greg Murphy said Republicans who try to overturn the convention should be rewarded. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
Another Republican lawmaker said such protests could lead to another messy race for House speaker, like the 15 votes that former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) faced about two years ago. He said he was concerned it could lead to a fight.
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“What I'm concerned about is whether they're going to bring that fight back to the floor. At that point, it doesn't serve any positive purpose,” the lawmaker said.
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) posted on X: “Enough of the dirty politics. We have a job to do.”
Those who have criticized Mr. Johnson in the past include Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.). – especially if President Trump endorsed Johnson on Wednesday morning, suggesting he has little appetite to support a challenger to Johnson.
The Hill first reported that members of the House Freedom Caucus are seeking a challenger to Johnson.
