Who becomes Speaker of the House if Neither the GOP or Democrats Holds a Majority?

2020-11-03T02:46:52-05:00

The US House of Representatives currently has 435 total seats. The Speaker is chosen from the ranks of the GOP or Democrats depending on which party holds the majority at the time.

Let's say for example, Independent candidates (or Tea Party, Green Party, Constitution Party etc) gain the majority. For example 235 are Independent, 100 GOP, and 100 Democrat (for a total of 435 seats). Would that then mean the Speaker is chosen from the Independents? Would having an Independent majority be a bad thing overall?

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Nov 3 at 2020 2:51 AM

2020-11-03T02:51:19-05:00

I think an independent is about to become very wealthy

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2020 8:09 AM

2020-11-03T08:09:47-05:00

Every time Congress convenes a new session in January, the parties put forward a nominee (not more than one, as it might split their caucus and result in the minority party winning the Speakership) and hold a vote. Usually the fight, if there is one, is in the caucus meetings where the respective nominees are chosen.
In the situation the OP lays out, the winner would likely be represented by one of the major parties still, if it were to assemble a coalition with one or more of the independent/ minor parties.

Response by MSgt Michael Bischoff made Nov 3 at 2020 8:51 AM

2020-11-03T08:51:02-05:00

What is even stranger in the rules is the speaker doesn’t have to be a member of the house, it can be an outsider