Help wanted: What will it take to be next House speaker?

Less than 24 hours after California Republican Kevin McCarthy was fired from the House of Representatives, the race to succeed him had already begun.

So far, three Republicans are in the running for the chairman’s election, which will take place in a week. But there is no guarantee the matter will then be resolved, given the 15 rounds of voting before Mr. McCarthy earned the job in January.

The same factors that doomed McCarthy — hardliners demanding confrontation over compromise, amid the inescapable need to work with a Democratic Senate and White House to pass anything — will almost certainly haunt his replacement. That begs the question: What will it take for someone to successfully lead this Republican House?

Some observers suggest that unifying the Republican Party is more a matter of style than substance. A speaker who can pick fights with Democrats and publicly advocate for conservative priorities may have more leeway to quietly make compromises behind the scenes.

“I don’t think this is necessarily an ideological battle. I think this has more to do with personalities,” said John Feehery, who served as press secretary to former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois. “With the right speaker you can make it work.”

Less than 24 hours after California Republican Kevin McCarthy was fired from the House of Representatives, the race to succeed him had already begun.

But the same factors that doomed McCarthy — hardliners demanding confrontation over compromise, amid the inescapable need to work with a Democratic Senate and White House to pass anything — will almost certainly haunt his replacement. That begs the question: What will it take for someone to successfully lead this Republican House?

For now, the gavel is held by Representative Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, a McCarthy ally who became acting speaker pro tempore after being appointed by Mr. McCarthy in a predetermined succession plan. Last night Mr McHenry announced that Republicans would hold elections for a new chairman next Wednesday, with the candidates making their case in a forum on Tuesday. Until then, the House of Representatives is in recess, while the rules surrounding Mr McHenry’s powers as acting speaker – and how long he could remain in that post – remained unclear.

Many members expressed frustration that the political chaos cost them valuable time in dealing with crucial issues on the agenda. Congress is rushing to finish writing the appropriations bills before the government runs out of money by mid-November. Other outstanding issues include aid to Ukraine – which now appears to be in serious jeopardy – and the crisis at the southern border.

And there’s no guarantee there will be a new speaker next week, given the 15 ballots McCarthy faced in January. Mr. McCarthy had to make a number of concessions to right-wing members to secure the gavel — including giving them the power to force a vote to impeach him, setting the stage for what ultimately happened this week. The next speaker will likely face similar pressure.

When a combative attitude can help

Some observers suggest that unifying the Republican Party is more a matter of style than substance. A speaker who can mimic former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, argue with Democrats and push for certain conservative priorities may have more leeway to quietly compromise on other issues.

“I don’t think this is necessarily an ideological battle. I think this has more to do with personalities,” said John Feehery, who served as press secretary to former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois. “With the right speaker you can make it work.”