Missouri and Illinois Republican representatives divided over who should succeed McCarthy

Republican members of Congress who represent Missouri and the Metro East are divided over who should be next speaker of the House of Representatives.

But regardless of whether Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise or Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan becomes the leader of the divided GOP majority, some Missouri lawmakers want the intraparty battle settled so Congress can avoid a government shutdown — and respond to the crisis in Israel and Gaza.

“For not only what’s happening in Israel, but also the appropriations process, it’s extremely important in my mind that we get back to work,” said Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Battlefield.

Republicans are meeting this week to hear from both Jordan and Scalise, the two official candidates to succeed Kevin McCarthy. Eight Republicans joined with House Democrats to oust McCarthy as speaker.

Thus far, Missouri Reps. Ann Wagner and Blaine Luetkemeyer are backing Scalise, who currently serves as the House majority leader. Wagner said in a statement that Scalise “is the hardest worker I know, a prolific fundraiser, and he has shown courage and grace in the face of profound adversity.”

“He has the experience and the conservative values necessary to lead us through this crisis and into an even stronger Republican majority in 2024,” said Wagner, R-Ballwin.

Illinois Rep. Mary Miller endorsed Jordan, currently chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Among other reasons, Miller said that Jordan can be a bulwark against President Joe Biden and the Democratically controlled Senate.