WASHINGTON, DC: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La, announced his entry into the race to succeed ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif, and lead House Republicans in the lower chamber.
Scalise, who is married to his wife Jennifer Scalise and has two children living in Louisiana, marked a pivotal moment in the Republican Party's leadership transition with his anouncement.
The Louisiana Republican's bid for the speakership was widely anticipated, given his position as the No 2 ranking House Republican.
In a compelling letter addressed to his fellow GOP colleagues, Scalise emphasized the urgency of the current legislative agenda, particularly the need to pass appropriation bills to fund the government. He noted, "Now is not the time to slow down."
From tragedy to leadership
Scalise's decision to run for Speaker carried a deeply personal element. He recounted the traumatic 2017 congressional baseball game practice where he was shot and critically wounded. He noted how he found solace and support within the ranks of his conference, who played a vital role in his recovery.
He expressed his gratitude, stating, "When I was shot in 2017, it was Members of this Conference who saved my life on that field. When I made it to the hospital and my family was told my chances of surviving were low, it was the prayers from all of you that carried us through."
He further reflected on his profound belief in purpose and resilience, saying, "God already gave me another chance at life. I believe we were all put here for a purpose. This next chapter won’t be easy, but I know what it takes to fight, and I am prepared for the battles that lie ahead. I humbly ask you for your support on this mission to be your Speaker of the House."
Scalise's formal announcement followed a meeting with Texas' House Republican delegation at their weekly luncheon on Wednesday, October 4, where he, along with other lawmakers seeking the speakership, pitched their candidacies and gauged interest.
In discussing his decision to seek the Speaker's gavel, Scalise, who is currently undergoing treatment for blood cancer, drew upon his experience in the 2017 shooting, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the country.
He stated, "I was often asked why after nearly losing my life because of this job I would want to go back. But it was never a question for me: I love this country, and I believe we were sent here to come together and solve the immense challenges we face. I feel even more strongly about that today."
Acknowledging the deep divisions within the House GOP conference, divisions that led to McCarthy's removal, Scalise emphasized the imperative of healing these internal rifts. "We must mend the deep wounds that exist within our conference," he noted in his letter.
Garnering support of GOP colleagues
Scalise has wasted no time in rallying support among House GOP lawmakers. A senior GOP aide told Fox News that Scalise could be a viable "frontrunner" and that the majority of the conference would be "open" to his candidacy for speaker.
Scalise's longtime partnership with McCarthy, though marked by public friction at times, has not deterred key Republicans from endorsing his candidacy. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn, confirmed his support for Scalise, even as he explores the possibility of running for majority leader himself.
The enthusiasm for Scalise's candidacy is palpable among his fellow lawmakers. Rep Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, emphasized the willingness of some lawmakers to "walk through fire" for the Louisiana Republican. He stated, "I think Steve Scalise has a lot of people that will walk through fire for the man."
Conservative Rep Lisa McClain, R-Mich., echoed these sentiments, voicing her support for Scalise. She stated, "Our next speaker should be someone with top-notch leadership skills and great experience. That someone is [Scalise], and I am proud to support him for speaker."
It's worth noting that Scalise is a member of the Republican Study Committee, an influential conservative caucus in the House of Representatives. The chair of this committee, Rep Kevin Hern, R-Okla., is also considering a run for the speakership. Another prominent contender for the speakership is House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who was the first to announce his bid.
Steve and Jennifer Scalise
Turning to Scalise's personal life, the veteran congressman has been married to Jennifer Scalise for more than 18 years. The couple tied the knot on March 19, 2005, with their wedding taking place at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. They have two children together, Madison and Harrison.
Jennifer Scalise, a native of Louisiana, attended high school at Andrew Jackson Fundamental Magnet High School in Chalmette. According to Scalise’s House of Representatives biography, he and his wife currently reside in Jefferson, Louisiana. Both are practicing Catholics and attend St. Agnes Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, according to Politico.
