The head of the House Freedom Caucus said on Wednesday the conservative group has “every intention” of voting in unison for speaker — a move that could spell trouble for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Reuters reported.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said that he would resign from his position later this month and that his successor would be elected Oct. 29. But the House GOP is set to meet on Thursday to try to pick a nominee.
“We have every intention of voting together tomorrow and on the house floor,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), the group’s leader, according to Reuters.
McCarthy was widely seen as Boehner’s successor, but his rise could be thrown into doubt if conservatives turn against him.
The Freedom Caucus includes about 40 of the most conservative House members. The group would have enough votes to prevent Republicans from rallying behind one particular candidate.
Some Freedom Caucus members have already said they won’t support McCarthy, according to the report.
