On Capitol Hill, no one made any predictions on Tuesday evening about who the House Republicans will select as the next Speaker of the House.

Not even an hour had passed since Kevin McCarthy announced that he wouldn’t run for Speaker again. The race to replace him was already well underway.

According to my sources, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), has been calling Tuesday night and testing for support.

Scalise is a conservative who enjoys a high level of popularity.

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Some on Capitol Hill wonder if Scalise is up to the task of being Speaker, which involves a never-ending travel schedule.

Scalise revealed just six weeks ago that he is seeking treatment for blood-cancer.

Tom Emmer, the Majority Whip (R-MN), occupies the third highest position in Congress.

According to my sources, Emmer told his colleagues that he would only run if Scalise decided not to.

Emmer has a large following of fellow Republicans, having served as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee from 2022 to 2025.

Critics say that the GOP did not perform well in ’22. They cite a narrow victory in New York, where Emmer was not targeting, and a gain of 11 seats in the House.

According to a source close Scalise, Leader and Emmer are expected to reach a decision before the end of next week as regards who will be running for speaker.

Elise Stefanik, the House Republican Conference Chairperson is also mentioned as a potential speaker candidate. She was a Bush administration official and at 39, she would be among the youngest candidates.

A source close to Stefanik said Newsmax that “her name has certainly been mentioned, but she has not begun any outreach.”

Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee (R-OH), is making phone calls to say he’s also interested in taking on this position.

House Members, who are popular amongst the grassroots, see Jordan as more capable of making headlines than getting deals done.

Dark horse candidates include House Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern (R – OK), a conservative who is a fan favorite, and veteran California Rep. Darrell Issa. Issa was a right-wing favorite for his relentless pursuit of scandals during Barack Obama’s term.

The House Republican Conference will meet behind closed doors on Tuesday to hear the candidates for speaker. Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry, R-NC, has laid out rules.