Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who issued a challenge to Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy last week for Speaker of the House, has made a statement in response to McCarthy dropping out of the race.
"I am stunned," Chaffetz said to a gaggle of reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday.
Congressman and Chairman of the House Weighs and Means Committee Paul Ryan, who endorsed McCarthy here at Townhall earlier this week, has also issued a statement.
“Kevin McCarthy is best person to lead the House, and so I’m disappointed in this decision. Now it is important that we, as a Conference, take time to deliberate and seek new candidates for the speakership. While I am grateful for the encouragement I’ve received, I will not be a candidate. I continue to believe I can best serve the country and this conference as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee,” Ryan said.
As of now, there is no immediate successor for the Speakership and it is unclear where Republicans will go from here. Chaffetz will remain in the race, but a vote has been indefinitely postponed. Current House Speaker John Boehner will remain in his position until a new Speaker is elected.
