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One of the most popular scenes in American politics consists of a person, currently William Walker, making his way through a packed Congress and shouting out loud the following words: “Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States”. Just this once, let’s leave the presidential figure aside and focus on the other office mentioned in the phrase: Speaker.
This is the political and parliamentary leader of the Lower House, who is in charge of ceremonial functions, as well as presiding over the body and, optionally, pursuing a legislative agenda. As if that were not enough, this person is also the third in the presidential succession.
The post grabbed all the flashbulbs after the midterm elections, as Republicans are engaged in a cold war to decide who will hold the gavel once the new Congress opens. But what is the process for choosing the Speaker like?
Tom Foley, Newt Gingrich, Dennis Hastert, John Boehmer, Paul Ryan and Nancy Pelosi all have two things in common: they held the job for the past 30 years and served as one of the 435 representatives who make up the House. The position is usually held by a representative, who also votes as a representative, but is elected by his peers to, among other things, stand behind the president during the State of the Union.
If you want to be speaker, you must reach 218 votes in the House
Unlike presidential elections, where the magic number is 270, here it is 218. That is the number of votes (cast by congress members) needed to be elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, like anything, this lends itself to some flexibility. For example, in 2016, Pelosi won with only 216 votes, after three members voted “present.”
Whoever intends to hold the gavel must negotiate with the different factions of the party in question to secure the support of all the different factions.
In this case, the election will take place next January 3, 2023, once the new Congress is sworn in. By that time, the GOP will have a slim majority of 222 seats, so they can’t afford many stragglers. Kevin McCarthy is the favorite to become the new Speaker, but he is having trouble getting all the ducklings in line.
At least five Republicans have already expressed they don’t intend to vote for the Californian congressman, so it is expected that he will not take off the calculator at the time of the vote. The figure of Jim Jordan is expected to serve as a glue among GOP congressmen, mainly among members of the Freedom Caucus.
While all of the Speakers were also Congressmen, this is not mandatory. According to Article I, Section II of the Constitution, the House must “elect [sic] its Speaker and other officers.” So far, they have reserved the right of admission to fill the position.
Joaquín Núñez es licenciado en comunicación periodística por la Universidad Católica Argentina. Se especializa en el escenario internacional y en la política nacional norteamericana. Confeso hincha de Racing Club de Avellaneda. Contacto: [email protected] // Joaquín Núñez has a degree in journalistic communication from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He specializes in the international scene and national American politics. Confessed fan of Racing Club of Avellaneda. Contact: [email protected]