Former President Donald Trump privately conveyed to allies on Friday he does not back House Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s bid for speaker, throwing another wrench into an already chaotic process to find the next person to hold the gavel.
Finstad announced support Friday
Late Friday, Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad announced that he would support Emmer for Speaker of the House:
“I have known Congressman Emmer for more than twenty years, since our time serving in the Minnesota Legislature,” Finstad said. “From the day that I arrived in Congress, it has been a privilege to work alongside Tom and I have come to truly appreciate him as a mentor and as a friend.”
“In January, our Conference elected Congressman Emmer to be our Majority Whip – a position in which Tom has shown profound leadership. Whether it’s across Minnesota or across the country, Congressman Emmer has the trust and respect necessary to lead the People’s House. I am happy to support him for Speaker.
“The American people deserve a functioning Congress. It is my hope that my House colleagues can come together to get this election done, get the House back in order, and get back to working for the American people.”
In the interim period since McCarthy’s ouster, Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry has been serving as speaker pro tempore.
Rep. Ken Buck, of Colorado, voted for Emmer multiple times during the most recent votes for speaker, during which Jordan failed to secure enough votes to secure the role
Earlier this month, Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips said he did not regret his vote to remove McCarthy, and suggested his colleague Emmer as a replacement.